Did any Charter customers watch the Mizzou game on FSN HD, I saw a little of the 1st Quarter, picture quality was very good, I was very shocked to see the game broadcast in HD but what a nice surprise. I had no idea they were doing that, and Mizzou won.

OT, but I ran across this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=721674) in the Programming forum. D* is seemingly cutting NASCAR in favor of the NFL.

OT, but I ran across this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=721674) in the Programming forum. D* is seemingly cutting NASCAR in favor of the NFL.Personally, I could not care less about motor racing, but THIS DirecTV decision sets a new standard for cluelessness and arrogance.

I think DirecTV has completely lost the plot when it comes to understanding the growing HD market. If not for the uncertain situation with DISH's DVRs in light of the TiVo suit, I'd have to seriously consider making a switch -- it's hard to ignore 30+ HD channels versus less than a dozen.

I think anyone inclined to do so, could use the unilateral removal of TNT-HD as justification for getting around any cancellation penalties.

PQ looks great to me...Rams defense is looking good, although we need to get the ball in the endzone!!! 3 fields goals isn't goin to cut it, especially where we've gotten the ball to start with.

I like the scorebox that switches to behind the offense, nice touch.

One other thing the CBS pregame was not in HD locally, but according to this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=721635

it should of been...maybe the local engineers got caught off guard with needing to flip the switch earlier????

edit: The halftime show is in HD...so it must of been a local issue

Rams vs. Broncos on CBS in HD was amazing.

Picture was great, audio was excellent... what an overall enjoyable experience watching the game.


After the Rams game, I switched to the FOX game of the Packers and Bears and the audio level on FOX was significantly lower than on CBS. Was this just my system?

If not for the uncertain situation with DISH's DVRs in light of the TiVo suit, I'd have to seriously consider making a switch -- it's hard to ignore 30+ HD channels versus less than a dozen.
Doug,
Difficult to imagine DISH will allow their DVR's to be shut down, though having 2, that may be just wishful thinking.
I do see the probability (presuming the TiVo judgement holds on appeal) of an additional license fee being passed down to subs. $5-6.00/mo per unit.

On another note, something we've discussed in the past...whilst playing around with the 622 DVR, I've found the live buffer (pause) works symotaniously with both tuners. In that, I can pause one live tuner, swap to the other, pause the second, then return to the first, which is still paused.....continue viewing the first, while the 2nd remains in pause.
Should be very useful as the BB playoffs arrive and FB in it's full swing.

Hey guys-
Quick question for the members here. I just dumped Direct TV after 7+years and I am thinking of switching to Dish Network and was wondering if anyone here has Dish and the new vip 211 and rcv the local HD channels via this unit. How are the results? Are you happy? This is really my only choice as I am not a big fan of Charter and don't really want to go that route.

thanks
jamie

Looks like KPLR is screwing up the Cardinals telecast again. Right now the choice is great picture and no sound or sound with SD picture. They have flipped it several times but it stays the same. Damn!!!! Dunc's homer was cool but it would have been better if I could have heard it :)

Personally, I could not care less about motor racing, but THIS DirecTV decision sets a new standard for cluelessness and arrogance.

I think DirecTV has completely lost the plot when it comes to understanding the growing HD market. If not for the uncertain situation with DISH's DVRs in light of the TiVo suit, I'd have to seriously consider making a switch -- it's hard to ignore 30+ HD channels versus less than a dozen.

I think anyone inclined to do so, could use the unilateral removal of TNT-HD as justification for getting around any cancellation penalties.
As a motorsports fan I could not care less about TNT-HD. Maybe D* took it off to put it out of its misery. :D

I'm brand new to the OTA HD game. Just got a Samsung SIR-T451 and hooked it up to my rabbit ears (in St. Charles) for grins. (I've got a Winegard HD7080P yet to be hooked up.) I was amazed by how many channels I could pick up with that dinky little antenna, but also was disappointed by the pixelation/dropout I'm seeing.

The main question I have is this: should I expect the Winegard to solve the pixelation problem (eliminate/minimize multipath) or is it a tuner issue with the SIR-T451?

Thanks!

Well KPLR is fixed but the Cardinals are now dysfunctional :) .....One of worst defensive innings I have ever witnessed. I have seen better rundowns in the Khoury league.

Well KPLR is fixed but the Cardinals are now dysfunctional :) .....One of worst defensive innings I have ever witnessed. I have seen better rundowns in the Khoury league.Audio synch is way off.

Doug,On another note, something we've discussed in the past...whilst playing around with the 622 DVR, I've found the live buffer (pause) works symotaniously with both tuners. In that, I can pause one live tuner, swap to the other, pause the second, then return to the first, which is still paused.....continue viewing the first, while the 2nd remains in pause.
Should be very useful as the BB playoffs arrive and FB in it's full swing.

You have found the holy grail, my friend.

This is what its all about to me at this point. TiVo has always had this, or at least for a long time. Those of us w/ DirecTV have enjoyed with the old SD TiVo and the HD TiVo but w/ DirecTV ditching the TiVo and using their own brand of receivers, they've not produced anytyhing w/ the ability to do exaclty what you described above.

When my current HD-TiVo gives out, or DirecTV moves all HD channels to MPEG4 thus effectively making my HD-TiVo irrelevent to on-air HD, if DirecTV's receivers will still not allow dual buffers I may switch to Dish for that very reason.

Does the receiver you described handle MPEG4 HD?

Personally, I could not care less about motor racing, but THIS DirecTV decision sets a new standard for cluelessness and arrogance.

I think DirecTV has completely lost the plot when it comes to understanding the growing HD market. If not for the uncertain situation with DISH's DVRs in light of the TiVo suit, I'd have to seriously consider making a switch -- it's hard to ignore 30+ HD channels versus less than a dozen.

I think anyone inclined to do so, could use the unilateral removal of TNT-HD as justification for getting around any cancellation penalties.


In other words....

Somebody up there loves you.... so bend over. :mad:

Does the receiver you described handle MPEG4 HD?
Yes Winston, some of the Dish HD content is now MPEG4, including the HD locals.
Of the 34 currently available in STL, 23 are MPEG2 and 11 are MPEG4. All future HD additions will be MPEG4.
Dish's current HD DVR is a dual SAT-tuner, OTA-tuner, 2-TV (1 HD-1 SD) MPEG4 HD DVR.

Jamiecrane,
I have a VIP211 and the Dish HD locals...all is well, though well documented, the PQ of OTA remains a bit superior, and getting an install date for the required 1000+ dish antenna may cause some frustration and/or divorce :rolleyes:

Final Note...it may be my distance from the towers, but the Cards KPLR OTA HD broadcast today is a train-wreck.

I have an Antennas Direct DB4 with 47 feet of RG6 cable between it
and my receiver. I want to purchase a pre-amp. Does anyone have any
suggestions of how much gain I should buy or what brand I should go with?

I am in St. Charles. I am using a Channel Master 3044 in series with a 3042 off my 18 year old VHF/UHF antenna in my attic to my HD receiver. The run from the antenna down to the 3044 has a split in it and all that cable is the older stuff (RG 59?) The 3044 has 4 outputs and really improved the reception on my SD TVs. Overall, I have to admit my installation is pretty kluged together, but it does work. Most people recommend a pre-amp at the antenna which is the best since it boosts the signal close to the source. You also need to have the antenna aimed correctly and hope there is nothing significant between you and the towers to cause multi-path issues. I don't know of a pre-amp that will fix multi-path.

Irony Rules: DirecTV says HDTV & DVRs Key to Growth

The following story is from today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
_____________________________________________

DirecTV continues to make progress with key products and services while at the same time focusing on quality customers.

That's the message the satellite TV company delivered to those in attendance at a Kaufman Bros. investment conference last week. The key products include DVRs and HDTV, which has helped the company keep video APRU (average revenue per unit - or subscriber) ahead of the competition.

According to the DirecTV presentation (as reported by Kaufman Bros. analyst Todd Mitchell), DVR penetration for the satellite TV company reached 17 percent in the second quarter, up from 8 percent in second quarter 2005.

HD penetration at DirecTV stood at 6 percent at the end of the quarter.

DirecTV also said it's moving forward with its HD plans. By the end of the second quarter, DirecTV had launched local HD channels in 36 markets, reaching a total of 58 percent of all TV households. During the second half of the year DirecTV plans to launch 25 more local HD markets, reaching more than 70 percent of all TV households.

After the launch of two more satellites, DirecTV will have the capacity to air 1,500 local HD channels and 150 national HD channels.

And DirecTV said it continues to improve the quality of its subscriber base. Higher risk subs fell to 15 percent of gross adds in second quarter from 39 percent in first quarter 2005, stated the presentation.
_____________________________________________

For more satellite TV industry news, go to www.skyreport.com

I have a VIP211 and the Dish HD locals...all is well, though well documented, the PQ of OTA remains a bit superior, and getting an install date for the required 1000+ dish antenna may cause some frustration and/or divorce :rolleyes:



There should be an extra 1000+ dish available to someone after the install attempt at my house yesterday. I've got a clear view to the south, but huge trees to the southwest, right in line with 220 satellite. The only way to clear the tree was to put the dish on the front roof, basically right over my front door, and even then the installer wasn't positive it was going to clear. With the size of the 1000+, I really didn't want it visible from the street, especially not for a "should be able to barely clear" line of sight, so I'm stuck with Charter for now. Would I have any better luck with D*? I've got a clear view from maybe 150 to 200 degrees, but I'm not sure where the D* satellite locations are.

Did any Charter customers watch the Mizzou game on FSN HD, I saw a little of the 1st Quarter, picture quality was very good, I was very shocked to see the game broadcast in HD but what a nice surprise. I had no idea they were doing that, and Mizzou won.

Yes, I saw it--excellent picture, of course. I only knew about it, by reading a post earlier that it would be on. On the Charter designated "FSHD" channel, the guide said "off air" at the time of the game, and never indicated the game was on. Also, I had to manually enter the channel number on my remote inorder to see the channel. I could'nt just press the channel because it said "off air", and when I did, a screen popped up that said, "off air". But when I manually entered the channel numbers, the channel came in.

Anyone else with NFL Sunday Ticket notice on Fox's SD version of some of the games the use of video game like sound effects? Every time the down and distance marker on the ticker changed there were video game like noises. Way over the top if you ask me. Thank God it was not on the HD version or any of the other fox games. If this is something they institute on all games, I will be forced to turn off the sound and listen to the game via Sirius.

Scott

Those video game sounds annoyed the hell out of me during the Cardinals/Boston World Series, so I'm afraid it's not really anything new.

The following is from our contact at FSN-Midwest:
_________________________________________________

FYI...We recently added one game to the FSN Midwest Cardinals HD
schedule -- this Wednesday, Sept. 13 vs. Houston at 1 p.m. The HD
telecast will be available on Charter 792 in St. Louis and on DirecTV
channel 95.
__________________________________________________

I've related the problem with Friday night's game to Geoff, and will pass along any reply, in the event he knows why the game wasn't available to DirecTV subscribers here.

Ssswwwwoooooooossssshhhhhh! :)

The following is from our contact at FSN-Midwest:
_________________________________________________

FYI...We recently added one game to the FSN Midwest Cardinals HD
schedule -- this Wednesday, Sept. 13 vs. Houston at 1 p.m. The HD
telecast will be available on Charter 792 in St. Louis and on DirecTV
channel 95.
__________________________________________________

I've related the problem with Friday night's game to Geoff, and will pass along any reply, in the event he knows why the game wasn't available to DirecTV subscribers here.

Ssswwwwoooooooossssshhhhhh! :)

Try and pester him again and see why D* and E* aren't adding FSN-MW-HD to their spot beam setups.

CLICK...THUNK...WHIRRR...

I actually asked this again when I emailed him last week, and he again said he'd try to find out. I dunno...either no one's talking about this, or maybe they're hoping that ignoring it will make it go away...

CLICK...THUNK...WHIRRR...

Not to be left out of the new-found sound effect revolution :D

Heard about this product -- a DVI HDCP "stripper" -- via the HT Guys podcast:

http://homeentertainment.engadget.com/2005/07/15/spatz-techs-dvimagic-killing-on-hdcp/

At nearly $500, this is not for the faint of heart. Also, it appears to be DVI-only -- no component -- output.

Yes..channel 95 was blacked out for me too during the Dbacks game. I DO have MP4/H20 and AT9. The SD broadcast on FSMW actually was telling viewers that it was available on D* 95.

On another note, during the rain during the end of the Rams game yesterday I lost my MP4 signal. I still had MP2 SD channel 4 just fine. I got the "searching for saltellite signal" message. What satellite are the MP4 channels on? I get 70-80 signal strength on most transponders on most sats. I believe the 99 sat is much lower though. I'll confirm tonight. Would I also lose the MP4 HD channels before the MP2 SD channels due to the fact that the HD channels require more bandwidth?

I actually asked this again when I emailed him last week, and he again said he'd try to find out. I dunno...either no one's talking about this, or maybe they're hoping that ignoring it will make it go away...

Silence is not a good thing.

I'm not trying to be a nattering nabob of negativity, but I have a horrible feeling that the St. Louis area will get pooched and FSN-MW-HD will only be available on a once-and-a-while basis through Charter. E* and D* subscribers will be majorly screwed.

All the while, everyone else will get their local sports networks in HD however and whenever they want.

dweebe,

I understand your concern, and I agree that the silence should probably not be taken as a good omen.

But I do have a very hard time seeing the Cardinals or FSN doing an exclusive deal with Charter, or any other distributor. I don't think there's any way the additional dollars could make up for the massive PR fallout.

I also think that News Corporation would be most unhappy about FSMW giving DirecTV the shaft in a top 25 market.

But then, stranger things have happened...

Yes, I saw it--excellent picture, of course. I only knew about it, by reading a post earlier that it would be on. On the Charter designated "FSHD" channel, the guide said "off air" at the time of the game, and never indicated the game was on. Also, I had to manually enter the channel number on my remote inorder to see the channel. I could'nt just press the channel because it said "off air", and when I did, a screen popped up that said, "off air". But when I manually entered the channel numbers, the channel came in.

I also watched Saturday's Mizzou game in HD because I had seen it here. The picture was solid, but I had no audio on Charter. Let's see, sd with audio or hd w/o audio, not a hard decision. Anyone else have this problem? I did not check in with the Cards HD game on Sunday to see if the sound was back.

I've searched this thread but still don't quite understand what the deal is with Fox Sports on Charter. I just got Charter HD on Sunday; CSR listed FSN as one of the channels I'd get. So I expected that whatever was on FSN on SD37 wld be on HD too. But no. Not even Cardinals. Just a funky color pattern.
Apologies if I'm asking something everybody else is aware of, but if someone cld clue me in... ? Thx
barry

Barry,

Not all Cardinal games on FSN are in HD. I think the scheduled number of HD broadcasts by FSN this year was 20 or 25, with KPLR doing another dozen.

On Charter, there is the primary FSMW channel (37) and then a supplementary HD channel (792) for those occasions where FSN does the game in HD. When there is no HD broadcast, you get the color bars test pattern on 792.

FYI -- FSMW also did a number of Blues games in HD last year (maybe 10) and they've also started to carry occasional college football games, such as last week's Mizzou game.

Hope this helps clear things up some.

Barry,

Not all Cardinal games on FSN are in HD. I think the scheduled number of HD broadcasts by FSN this year was 20 or 25, with KPLR doing another dozen.

On Charter, there is the primary FSMW channel (37) and then a supplementary HD channel (792) for those occasions where FSN does the game in HD. When there is no HD broadcast, you get the color bars test pattern on 792.

FYI -- FSMW also did a number of Blues games in HD last year (maybe 10) and they've also started to carry occasional college football games, such as last week's Mizzou game.

Hope this helps clear things up some.

Thanks Doug, that does clear it up. I just thought it was like a simulcast all day.
Good to know.
barry

How many times did Dan McLaughlin say "September 11" on tonight's Cardinals game?

While I do appreciate that today is an important anniversary and it's relevant to acknowledge it, there's little point in reminding us ad-frigging-nauseum of that fact.

Hey Dan, to paraphrase Alan Iverson -- we're talking about a baseball game. That's right -- a baseball game.

How many times did Dan McLaughlin say "September 11" on tonight's Cardinals game?

While I do appreciate that today is an important anniversary and it's relevant to acknowledge it, there's little point in reminding us ad-frigging-nauseum of that fact.

Hey Dan, to paraphrase Alan Iverson -- we're talking about a baseball game. That's right -- a baseball game.

I didn't see or hear the game, but let's not forget that Dan McLaughlin is a tool.

Any other Charter customers in the area not picking up HDnet and HDnet Movies (channels 770 and 771)? They went out on me last night. All other channels are fine.

It must be a widespread problem. I just checked and both of those channels are also out here in Illinois. I don't know how long they've been out since I didn't try to watch them last night.

What is up with the audio on ktvi fox2 hd? I was watching the news last night and it looked like a bad kung fu movie.

What is up with the audio on ktvi fox2 hd? I was watching the news last night and it looked like a bad kung fu movie.I didn't watch the news on FOX last night, but I didn't notice any issues during 'Prison Break'. I was watching OTA.

I was watching OTA too. The news was unwatchable. Seinfeld wasn't quite as bad but it was still noticable.

What is up with the audio on ktvi fox2 hd? I was watching the news last night and it looked like a bad kung fu movie.

There is no such thing as a "bad" kung fun movie!

:D

It must be a widespread problem. I just checked and both of those channels are also out here in Illinois. I don't know how long they've been out since I didn't try to watch them last night.
Looks like they're back up now.

Tom

I am still missing channels 770 and 771 so I called Charter. They basically told me that (1) one or two channels out is not considered an outage and (2) they won't do anything unless the broadcaster of the channels tells them that they are having problems. In other words, its not a problem unless the broadcaster tells them it is. He went on to say that broadcasters will contact Charter if a sufficient number of customers tells them the channels are out. So of course I asked how to contact the broadcaster to say that my channels are out. He said that Charter doesn't have that information. Can you say "Catch 22"?

I am still missing channels 770 and 771 so I called Charter. They basically told me that (1) one or two channels out is not considered an outage and (2) they won't do anything unless the broadcaster of the channels tells them that they are having problems. In other words, its not a problem unless the broadcaster tells them it is. He went on to say that broadcasters will contact Charter if a sufficient number of customers tells them the channels are out. So of course I asked how to contact the broadcaster to say that my channels are out. He said that Charter doesn't have that information. Can you say "Catch 22"?Yeah, this is the foundation great companies are built upon...no doubt a Charter manager will rush in to guarantee that person's lifetime employment. :rolleyes:

Anyone else seeing this (see below -- story on ESPN HD declining PQ)?

I re-calibrated my TV over the weekend and I thought that the bits and pieces I saw of MNF last night looked pretty good, apart from very occasional pixellation, which I attribute more to the carrier (DirecTV) than ESPN.

From the "HD Observer" at TVPredictions.com website:
____________________________________________________________

What's Up With ESPN HD?

By Joseph Whip
HD Observer

I (as well as others) have reported a noticeable decrease in the quality of the HD broadcasts in the last few months on ESPNHD and ESPN2HD.

The problems are noticeable on DIRECTV, Dish Network and various cable companies. The loss of quality is noticeable on the actual game broadcasts as the studio shows are still very sharp and crisp.

However, the games, especially the MNF (Monday Night Football) games are very soft and filled with noise and artifacting (picture break up) which makes the picture look barely even HD. It is difficult to believe that the picture looks this bad out of the ESPN truck.

Complicating the issue is the fact that the HD highlights (aired) during SportsCenter from Fox and CBS as well as various RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) look great. However, the ESPN HD highlights look no better during SportsCenter.

There is clearly something amiss in the ESPN distribution chain somewhere. It would be great if the ESPN engineers would check out the quality of their broadcasts as they appear in our homes and find the problem and fix it! They used to look much better!
____________________________________________________________

I thought MNF looked pretty darn good last night on Charter.

Article (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/columnists.nsf/techtalk/story/7F34D56956D2C56F8625713300624373?OpenDocument) in Post STL Today..

so the high-def leader in St. Louis has the option (and ability as far as I know) to show Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD but isn't? shocking.

Well...no one has chimed on my D* question: During the rain during the end of the Rams game yesterday I lost my MP4 signal. I still had MP2 SD channel 4 just fine. I got the "searching for saltellite signal" message. What satellite are the MP4 channels on? I get 70-80 signal strength on most transponders on most sats. I believe the 99 sat is much lower though. I'll confirm tonight. Would I also lose the MP4 HD channels before the MP2 SD channels due to the fact that the HD channels require more bandwidth?

Also, when I tried to tune in Channel 95 it says "Channel Not Purchased". I posted last week about an out of market baseball game showing up as PPV "event" and they wanted $4.99 to view it...on CH 95.

so the high-def leader in St. Louis has the option (and ability as far as I know) to show Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune in HD but isn't? shocking.

I heard about Jeopardy and Wheel Of Furtune in High Def over on the programming forum but haven't seen anything here.

Has anyone contacted KSDK about it?

Here's the explanation on the absence of Friday night's Cards-DBacks game on DirecTV, via FOX Sports Midwest:
___________________________________________________________

Regarding Friday's Cardinals game...I'm told that DirecTV erred by placing the FSN Arizona HD telecast on channel 95 rather than the FSN Midwest telecast, and thus the blackout in the St. Louis area. It was not an accident on their part.

For what it's worth, I was also told that the game was available in HD on channel 96 to DirecTV subscribers in St. Louis with an MPEG-4 receiver. Don't know whether anyone on the AVS forum can verify that, or would want to check out channel 96 during tomorrow's game (1 p.m.) to see if it's there again.
___________________________________________________________

Well...no one has chimed on my D* question: During the rain during the end of the Rams game yesterday I lost my MP4 signal. I still had MP2 SD channel 4 just fine. I got the "searching for saltellite signal" message. What satellite are the MP4 channels on? I get 70-80 signal strength on most transponders on most sats. I believe the 99 sat is much lower though. I'll confirm tonight. Would I also lose the MP4 HD channels before the MP2 SD channels due to the fact that the HD channels require more bandwidth?

Also, when I tried to tune in Channel 95 it says "Channel Not Purchased". I posted last week about an out of market baseball game showing up as PPV "event" and they wanted $4.99 to view it...on CH 95.

I was at Hot Shots in Fenton when the rain came. They lost all SAT (which were all set to DTV Sunday Ticket channels)

We were able to watch the RAMS cause it was OTA.
FWIW, When I got home I had no issues with Dish.

Dave

Well...no one has chimed on my D* question: During the rain during the end of the Rams game yesterday I lost my MP4 signal. I still had MP2 SD channel 4 just fine. I got the "searching for saltellite signal" message. What satellite are the MP4 channels on? I get 70-80 signal strength on most transponders on most sats. I believe the 99 sat is much lower though. I'll confirm tonight. Would I also lose the MP4 HD channels before the MP2 SD channels due to the fact that the HD channels require more bandwidth?

Also, when I tried to tune in Channel 95 it says "Channel Not Purchased". I posted last week about an out of market baseball game showing up as PPV "event" and they wanted $4.99 to view it...on CH 95.

If you go to www.lyngsat.com you can click on the Frequencies and look at all of
the satellites. Although they have not been updated lately, so it is hard for me to
tell you specifically which sat it is, it is either the 103 or the 99 satellite.

The $4.99 thing for a baseball game was wrong. If you would have tried to purchase it, it would not have worked. It was obviously flagged incorrectly.

On the unfolding P-D coverage of Charter, I have two observations:

* First, it nice to see that there's finally some sort of substantive reporting being done on this issue in the local press. Charter has been an unmitigated disgrace, both as local corporate citizen and as a quasi-monopoly utility delivering progressively poorer service and value to local households.

* Second, it's hard to praise the Post-Dispatch's coverage of Charter, even though it is welcome.

Cable is one of the larger recurring montly expenses for most local households, and it is exactly the sort of issue that a local newspaper should cover on a regular basis, because it's highly relevant to its readers. There's also a meaty local governement angle here, as local authorities appear highly conflicted when it comes to regulation of local cable franchises -- there seems to more interest in maximing franchise fees and milking these companies for other "goodies" than there is in the regulation of the services the franchise provides to its constituents.

In addition, it's more than a little perturbing to me that the Post-Dispatch only turned its spotlight onto Charter when its own reporters were having problems in getting Charter to provide the customer and technical support they needed to do their jobs. I'm left to assume that everything was just rosy until the Tech Talk editor was inconvenienced by Charter's balky broadband service.

In addition, it's more than a little perturbing to me that the Post-Dispatch only turned its spotlight onto Charter when its own reporters were having problems in getting Charter to provide the customer and technical support they needed to do their jobs. I'm left to assume that everything was just rosy until the Tech Talk editor was inconvenienced by Charter's balky broadband service.

I dropped Charter when DSL became available and went to E* when they couldn't keep the HD service working. Not to sound like a supporter of Charter but is the wireless router Charters responsibility? It seems like "Tech Talk" should have been able to troubleshoot their wireless network.

I dropped Charter when DSL became available and went to E* when they couldn't keep the HD service working. Not to sound like a supporter of Charter but is the wireless router Charters responsibility? It seems like "Tech Talk" should have been able to troubleshoot their wireless network.Good point -- I wondered about that, too...

I heard about Jeopardy and Wheel Of Furtune in High Def over on the programming forum but haven't seen anything here.

Has anyone contacted KSDK about it?

I saw the intro to Wheel of Fortune tonight advertising now in HD. First I thought they forgot to flip the switch, now it seems they don't care :rolleyes: Anyway, I have not contacted them.

The Today show is now in HD as of this morning. I figure it is all part of the new co-host starting today.

The Today show is now in HD as of this morning. I figure it is all part of the new co-host starting today.

Did kSDk remember to flip the switch? :)

I always thought the TODAY show had been in HD for awhile now.

Winston, "Good Morning, America" has been in HD for several months now, but "Today" is a new addition.

FWIW, I recently read an interview with the guy at NBC who is responsible for the transition to HD programming, and he made the point that they are basically working their way down the programming list, based on the number of regular viewers.

He said that from here the focus will next turn to helping local stations (presumably the NBC owned/operated stations) to move their local news to HD.

He also noted that the NBC national network news prorgams would probably be one of the last things to move to HD, due to the number of cameras that would be required for the principal bureaus (around a half dozen) plus the main studio, and the fact that viewer numbers for the evening news are in decline.

Don't know if the weekend game was avail. on Ch. 96. I DO have MP4. Ch 96 isn't in my "favorites" so I didn't think to check there.

I'm STILL getting "Channel not purchased" when I try to view out of market games on Ch. 95. Should I call D*?

Update..just talked to my wife and she IS seeing Ch. 95 Cards and Houston.

With the new Tivo Series 3 coming out now, has anyone checked on the availabitiy of getting the HD cable cards from Charter? Will this even be possible?

With the new Tivo Series 3 coming out now, has anyone checked on the availabitiy of getting the HD cable cards from Charter? Will this even be possible?Aren't cable companies now required to supply them on demand? :confused:

I've worked for several customers with Charter CableCards, and none of them have had any problems getting them locally.

However, I have a calibrator colleague in the Atlanta area where Charter is his cable provider and he's never been able to get a CC, despite repeated requests.

As a general rule, cable companies don't particularly like CCs, because they limit the ability of the companies to sell PPV, VOD and other add-on services. With the CC-ready TiVos coming, they will have another reason to not like giving out the CCs, so I wouldn't be surprised to see sudden shortages when these hit the market.

Here's the explanation on the absence of Friday night's Cards-DBacks game on DirecTV, via FOX Sports Midwest:
___________________________________________________________

Regarding Friday's Cardinals game...I'm told that DirecTV erred by placing the FSN Arizona HD telecast on channel 95 rather than the FSN Midwest telecast, and thus the blackout in the St. Louis area. It was not an accident on their part.

For what it's worth, I was also told that the game was available in HD on channel 96 to DirecTV subscribers in St. Louis with an MPEG-4 receiver. Don't know whether anyone on the AVS forum can verify that, or would want to check out channel 96 during tomorrow's game (1 p.m.) to see if it's there again.
___________________________________________________________

Nope, ch96 did not have anything on it during that time. I checked. I do have MPEG4 H20 w/ 5LNB dish. As I confirmed in an earlier post, since it was on the FSN Arizona feed, there was no availability in St Louis.

The Charter "loathe fest" gathers national momentum:

http://badgerherald.com/oped/2006/09/14/ditch_charter_get_u.php

Hey -- nice touch to ask students to pay the parking fees for techs making service calls.

DirecTV Says New HD DVR Now Available at Best Buy

Today's TV Predictions newsletter reports on the release of the new DirecTV HD DVR.
_______________________________________________

DIRECTV's new High-Definition DVR is now available at Best Buy's web site and retail stores.

The satcaster has been heavily criticized by industry analysts and subscribers for missing several deadlines for the high-def recorder. In July, DIRECTV countered by announcing that the set-top would be launched in Los Angeles in mid-August.

However, DIRECTV would not say at that time when it would be available in other cities.

But DIRECTV executive vice president Eric Shanks told TVPredictions.com Wednesday that the HD DVR has been at Best Buy "for a couple of weeks now." He said it is also available at "many of our (other) distribution channels."

The satcaster had not announced that the high-def recorder was available nationally until now.

At BestBuy.com, the DIRECTV HD DVR, model HR20-700S, is listed for $299.99. However, Best Buy says the recorder is currently sold out.
_______________________________________________

For the complete TV Predictions story, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/directvhddvrlaunch091306.htm)

With the new Tivo Series 3 coming out now, has anyone checked on the availabitiy of getting the HD cable cards from Charter? Will this even be possible?

I've got a CableCard in my Sony HD recorder. Works great, except the TV Guide interface is one of the kludgiest I've seen. Especially coming from Tivo. Now I've got to save up $800 more bucks...bummer :(

Another Charter gripe: you cannot go down to the local office to get one, $35 service call is a must.

-Matt

Both at TCF (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=315237) and DBS Talk are reports of folks getting the software upgrade. One person is in St. Pete and one in STL. The linked thread is mosly those with hacked units but there are other threads too.

I forced a couple of calls and restarts and so far, nothing. It appears to be random but after reading both threads, it looks like CA, IN, MI, TX, FL, NJ and VA mostly.

It will be so nice to finally get folders like my SD DVR, faster menus, etc.

Both at TCF (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=315237) and DBS Talk are reports of folks getting the software upgrade. One person is in St. Pete and one in STL. The linked thread is mosly those with hacked units but there are other threads too.

I forced a couple of calls and restarts and so far, nothing. It appears to be random but after reading both threads, it looks like CA, IN, MI, TX, FL, NJ and VA mostly.

It will be so nice to finally get folders like my SD DVR, faster menus, etc.
Thank god... folders will make me feel less embarassed about some of the stuff I record.

After waiting 5 weeks, and 3 last-minute postponed installs, ADS finally arrived at my daughter's home to install their new DISH system. She had ordered it through a bundled AT&T.

ADS arrived at 6:30PM for a Noon-5PM install time, and left at 11:30PM. They managed to get the 1000+ installed and one receiver/TV up and running. She said they called it quits at 11:30PM, promising to return on Saturday to complete the install, which consists of 2 more receivers to run 3 rooms.

She also said the installers whined and complained the entire time, citing having to work such long hours, and how underpaid they are.

MY SIL is going to run the remaining needed cabling, and I'm going to their house tomorrow to complete the installation for her.

Granted, ADS is a sub for DISH, but in her eyes, and the eyes of her neighbors, she said "I just could have stayed with Charter and had this much aggravation."
If not for the fact she could not rely on Charter's VoIP, she still would be. She could not afford Charter's unbundled stand-alone services.

Well just to update, we (my girlfriend and I) upgraded to Dish HD tuesday and the call went very well. She is a dish customer already and the cost to upgrade to the dish 1000 and the HD DVR was 199. The only problem was they are showing a backorder (which I knew about) and the install date is Oct 3rd. Not as bad as I thought but out there a ways too. I guess we (I?) can live with OTA until then but no MNF or sportscenter in HD for a few weeks.
The CSR was very friendly and said that if a dish becomes available before then we would get called for an install date.

Just glad I was able to avoid charter. My supervisor was told that he could not get HD by the CSR at Charter though several people on his block have it. Go figure! He decided it wasn't worth it and is watching SD on his HD as he doesn't have an OTA tuner. Might have to let him borrow my old Direct box to use.

Jamie

The new NDS based DirecTV HD DVR does not have dual buffers, which is a must for me.

I'd love to hear a review from any DirecTV owner who uses an H20.

I'd love to hear a review from any DirecTV owner who uses an H20.
I am getting it installed on the 20th. I got it free so I can't complain about not having dual buffers. My HD comes from OTA. I write my impressions that weekend.

That's Murdoch's quote, not mine. Here's the link:

http://www.variety.com/VR1117950090.html

That's Murdoch's quote, not mine. Here's the link:

http://www.variety.com/VR1117950090.html


"Turd Bird", I love it. How funny. I don't the satellites will be able to compete long term with the cable companies. It is too bad that St Louis is saddled with Charter. I wish they would finally just to bankrupt, and maybe Comcast will buy them out.

..and maybe Comcast will buy them out.Really think that's going to help? It'll still be the same ol' infrastructure, same crappy equipment, same crappy CS reps.

It wasn't always Charter. I had cable in the city when it was TCI -- it's all the same now as it was then. Cable in St. Louis has been crappy for decades, no matter who's name was on it. For Comcast to buy out Charter in St. Louis to work for the consumer they would have to fire everyone, rebuild the infrastructure and start over. I don't see that happening.

I could be completely wrong, but that's my take on it. I will stick with satellite.

"Turd Bird", I love it. How funny. I don't the satellites will be able to compete long term with the cable companies. It is too bad that St Louis is saddled with Charter. I wish they would finally just to bankrupt, and maybe Comcast will buy them out.
It may be a "turd bird", but compared to Charter, it still flies.

I am getting it installed on the 20th. I got it free so I can't complain about not having dual buffers. My HD comes from OTA. I write my impressions that weekend.


You do know that currently the DVR will not work with OTA? They are saying the tuners should be activated sometime in October, but don't hold your breath. Not having the duel buffer was a deal killer for me. I just made the switch from Direct to Dish after 9 years with them, I called them to see what kind of deal they would give me on a HDDVR after 9 years and having three DirectTivo's. The best the CSR told me she could do was $300. When I called to cancel the service after I had Dish put in, then they offered the new HDDVR free, 4 months of free programming and a discount for the Sunday ticket. I told her that after having the VIP622 for a couple of weeks now that I have no interest in their DVR, having PIP with the duel tuner all built in to the DVR will make Sunday's much better. Going from a Tivo unit to the Dishplayer was a little strange at first but I really do like the unit and the program guides better than the Tivo. I had a good install experience with Dish(went through Centurytel), but I have heard horror stories about all the Sat. companies and Charter installs. I have always done my own installs with Direct and my old C band BUD, so this was my first non-self install and I was pretty happy with the work and the installer was very polite. It's nice to be a part of the HD scene finally, I don't know how I ever watched SD up until now. I have also been reading this thread and the AVS forums since I bought my plasma several weeks ago, and I must say it has been very helpful. This thread helped me setup my Antenna correctly to get the St. Louis locals and helped me realize that KPLR actually keeps going down and its not me going CRAZY!
Thanks for all the informative post on the St. Louis HD scene.

You do know that currently the DVR will not work with OTA?
And....the possibility DISH will be forced to turn off our 622's :mad:

Too bad, I agree, it's a great machine.

Really think that's going to help? It'll still be the same ol' infrastructure, same crappy equipment, same crappy CS reps.

It wasn't always Charter. I had cable in the city when it was TCI -- it's all the same now as it was then. Cable in St. Louis has been crappy for decades, no matter who's name was on it. For Comcast to buy out Charter in St. Louis to work for the consumer they would have to fire everyone, rebuild the infrastructure and start over. I don't see that happening.

I could be completely wrong, but that's my take on it. I will stick with satellite.

I would agree with fire everyone, but I don't think the infrastruture needs rebuilding completely. Actually, nearly all complaints about Charter are their customer service. When it is working and you don't have to talk to them, their customers are happy. They only become unhappy when they have to talk to someone there.

I have had everything Charter offers, phone service, HDTV, DVR, internet, the works. and only occasionally had a problem. I must say when I do have a problem it is very frustrating. They are TERRIBLE to deal with. I know people who had satellite and once they moved they got rid of it. they only kept it once it was installed because they usually had money invested in the equipment. Satellite will never be able to compete with cable over the long run.

I just made the switch from Direct to Dish after 9 years with them, I called them to see what kind of deal they would give me on a HDDVR after 9 years and having three DirectTivo's. The best the CSR told me she could do was $300. When I called to cancel the service after I had Dish put in, then they offered the new HDDVR free, 4 months of free programming and a discount for the Sunday ticket.

Bummer. They offered me a free swap for all 3 of my HD-Tivos, 6 month free HD
package, and new dish install with 2 multiswitches. I am just waiting to call back
to take them up on the offer.

I would agree with fire everyone, but I don't think the infrastruture needs rebuilding completely. Actually, nearly all complaints about Charter are their customer service. When it is working and you don't have to talk to them, their customers are happy. They only become unhappy when they have to talk to someone there.

I have had everything Charter offers, phone service, HDTV, DVR, internet, the works. and only occasionally had a problem. I must say when I do have a problem it is very frustrating. They are TERRIBLE to deal with. I know people who had satellite and once they moved they got rid of it. they only kept it once it was installed because they usually had money invested in the equipment. Satellite will never be able to compete with cable over the long run.I got satellite because of cable infrastructure problems. I had to complain to the City of St. Louis, who made TCI redo a high-rise building I lived in (e.g. equipment installed on the roof was rusting away in standing water, causing reception problems blamed on everyone's TVs). But that was 8 years ago. Maybe it's better now. I don't expect I'll ever go back to cable. I first got cable in St. Louis some 20 years ago. Never had a good experience with it.

Nevetherless, I really don't think a Comcast buyout of Charter will be the holy grail for cable service in St. Louis.

I got satellite because of cable infrastructure problems. I had to complain to the City of St. Louis, who made TCI redo a high-rise building I lived in (e.g. equipment installed on the roof was rusting away in standing water, causing reception problems blamed on everyone's TVs). But that was 8 years ago. Maybe it's better now. I don't expect I'll ever go back to cable. I first got cable in St. Louis some 20 years ago. Never had a good experience with it.

Nevetherless, I really don't think a Comcast buyout of Charter will be the holy grail for cable service in St. Louis.

You are right! Comcast will not have a better signal, any better customer service, or
any better channel offering than Charter has now. The initial cable build for the City of St. Louis was plagued with bickering and disputes from the very beginning ranging from jobs to "how much does the City get from royalties." Change to one of the DBS systems.

You are right! Comcast will not have a better signal, any better customer service, or
any better channel offering than Charter has now. The initial cable build for the City of St. Louis was plagued with bickering and disputes from the very beginning ranging from jobs to "how much does the City get from royalties." Change to one of the DBS systems.

Comcast is valued at over $72 billion dollars. Charter is valued at about $500 million. Good luck with your satellite. I hope it doesn't rain.

Comcast is valued at over $72 billion dollars. Charter is valued at about $500 million.I doubt that means much in terms of whether St. Louis cable will ever improve.
Good luck with your satellite. I hope it doesn't rain.I think too much weight is placed on the "rain fade" of satellite by those who don't have it. Most of it is cable propaganda (like them telling you local channels weren't available on satellite years after it became the norm). Yes, I sometimes lose satellite signal in severe summer thunderstorms. But when I had cable, I lost cable all the time under similar circumstances. During the year, I really lose very little satellite to environmental problems. Are you telling me you never loose cable signal? Satellite certainly isn't perfect, but in the time I've had it I really haven't had any significant complaints. And the customer service is really quite good.

Bummer. They offered me a free swap for all 3 of my HD-Tivos, 6 month free HD
package, and new dish install with 2 multiswitches. I am just waiting to call back
to take them up on the offer.


Sounds like you got a good deal. I might have stuck with them if they offered me just the HDDVR free. I was already on the fence because I really like the Tivo units, but the R15 I had and got rid of was a piece of junk. I knew that the new HDDVR was being made by the same company as the R15. So when they weren't willing to make a deal it made it easier to jump ship. I alway had very good customer service with Direct, that's why I was shocked that they didn't make me a better offer until I cancelled. I wasn't sure that I would really watch any of the Voom stuff, so that really didn't factor in to switching. Even though I found that I really like watching all the stuff on Monster HD. I hope your upgrade goes smooth. Post back and let us know how the new DVR work.


And....the possibility DISH will be forced to turn off our 622's

Too bad, I agree, it's a great machine.

I doubt this will happen any time soon. "E" will tie it up in court for as long as possible, maybe even years. Eventually they will either settle with Tivo and pay an extra fee to them for each DVR sold(like DirecTv does) or find a software work around to get rid of the patent infrigment portions of the code, which might be tougher since Tivo has a patent on pretty much every portion of how a DVR operates and writes data to a hard drive. If it does happen I can always switch back to Direct. I am not loyal to either company, just who ever gives me the best deal.

I wish cable companies could compete with one another in the same market, think how that would possibly change Charter's way of doing business.

I think its silly to constantly have this cable vs sat debate -- if you go through the thread from beginning to end, both have upsides and downsides.

I had DishNet for over 5 years. Yes, I had rain and snow fade, not always, and not always during real severe weather. I've had Charter for a year now, and the only outage I've had was during the big storm, and it was only for 4 hours.

The real problem is everyone's increasing dependence on television for their entertainment. Yes, I have my fav shows .... but really, the majority of everything on TV is crap. I think I still read more books than watch TV shows.

Problem is most of the stuff I like is not on the OTA stations, so I must subscribe to something. IMHO, none of the services available are worth what they charge.

Also, FWIW, DishNets CS was far superior to Charters. So there is no argument there, fortunately I haven't had to call much past the initial install. I've never dealt with DirectTV.

I think its silly to constantly have this cable vs sat debate -- if you go through the thread from beginning to end, both have upsides and downsides....You're right, except that we're not just arguing Cable vs. Sat. I've also been questioning whether or not Comcast taking Charter's place in St. Louis would change anything. It's hypothetical, but I think something interesting to ponder.

I have plenty of friends in other cities who hate Comcast as much as ppl here hate Charter. And I know people who hate Roadrunner down in Florida. And I know ppl who love both.

*shrug*

First time KSDK has had Jeopardy in HD?

First time KSDK has had Jeopardy in HD?

So it was in HD today? If so, then probably Wheel tonight, too. I'll be out, but I'll record it and see.

I doubt that means much in terms of whether St. Louis cable will ever improve.
I think too much weight is placed on the "rain fade" of satellite by those who don't have it. Most of it is cable propaganda (like them telling you local channels weren't available on satellite years after it became the norm). Yes, I sometimes lose satellite signal in severe summer thunderstorms. But when I had cable, I lost cable all the time under similar circumstances. During the year, I really lose very little satellite to environmental problems. Are you telling me you never loose cable signal? Satellite certainly isn't perfect, but in the time I've had it I really haven't had any significant complaints. And the customer service is really quite good.

I pointed out the difference in what Comcast is valued at compared to Charter to show in no way are they even remotely comparable like the other poster insinuated. I do believe cable in St Louis would be much better with Comcast.

I have had cable for years, and almost can't ever remember having an outage. I am sure I can count on the one hand the number of times in over 10 years, and even then it is usually for a couple of hours at the most. It has been extemely reliable for me. I guess it all depends on where you live.

So it was in HD today? If so, then probably Wheel tonight, too. I'll be out, but I'll record it and see.

I only caught the last 10 min or so but it was definitely HD. Reason I ask about this being the first time is that the H20 has been flagging HD for both shows everyday this week and of course mon - wed there was no HD and I didn't check at all yesterday. More HD is thumbs up I say.

Edit: Wheel is also in HD

So it was in HD today? If so, then probably Wheel tonight, too. I'll be out, but I'll record it and see.
Yep, and looked very good also, once I got past the VannaShock. Though admittedly not as bad as Ms. Foss.

Still the same manual switch-flip in and out of commercial, as on Leno.

Either way, more HD is always a good thing :D

Yep, and looked very good also, once I got past the VannaShock. Though admittedly not as bad as Ms. Foss.

Still the same manual switch-flip in and out of commercial, as on Leno.

Either way, more HD is always a good thing :D

I set up the Dish 622 to record the MPEG4 local broadcast. I didn't have the MyHD set up, but it's definitely something I want to do now. I did notice a softness and some jaggies around the edges of numbers and letters, so I want to compare OTA and MPEG4.

And new HD is a great thing! I was just thinking the other day how good it feels to have the pace of new HD programming speed up as much as it has over the last year. As competition to provide quality HD steps up, things should get better quicker.

For the SciFi fans out there (some of whom are probably in mourning due to the cancellation of Stargate SG1), the first HD broadcasts of Firefly will be at 8:00 and 9:00 pm, Sunday Sept. 24 on Universal HD. They are already on my R5000 recording schedule.

Anyone have any favorite new shows from the TV season so far? I saw Men in Trees tonight and was surprised how much I liked it (and it had a killer soundtrack). Brad Garrett (Robert from Everybody Loves Raymond) deserves better than the absolutely awful (I mean really, really terrible) Fox show, Til Death.

I've got the first few episodes of Standoff and Justice recorded, but haven't actually played back any of them... not even the premieres. But then I have something like 13 episodes of Prison Break dating back through last season I haven't watched yet!

Justice is so over the top that its enjoyable.


Let me tell you my biggest problem with Charter. I've been having these issues w/ getting HD channels through sat and all of that. But, when I consider Charter, I can't get ESPN2-HD. Charter's HD channel offerings are less than that of DirecTV or Dish and they charge more. Does tha make any business sense?

I would have been more than happy to get Charter HD, a Series3 TiVo and pay the cable card bills, but Charter doesn't offer ESPN2-HD. ESPN, and ESPN2 are the biggest reasons I want any national HD channels. Charter's selection isn't good.

Yes, but I'd trade ESPN2-HD for FSNMW-HD

Have any St Louis area HR10-250 HD Tivo owners received/activated the 6.3 software update yet? I've got 2 units, neither one has updated for me yet.

Yes, but I'd trade ESPN2-HD for FSNMW-HD


It is nice :) Come on hockey season!

Have any St Louis area HR10-250 HD Tivo owners received/activated the 6.3 software update yet? I've got 2 units, neither one has updated for me yet.

Not for me yet.

I hope it doesn't rain.


I know this is more anecdotal evidence (but really what isn't on this forum anyway?)

but in the 8+ years of having E* I can count on one hand the number of weather related outages and each time I sat there thinking is watching TV the smartest thing to be doing at this moment.

We to the Cards/Giants game last night at Busch. First time being there in over two months since I've been working 60+ hours a week for a while. Anyway I guess last night's game was in HD from Fox Sports MW because they were showing that feed on the monitors on the concourse. The Cards owners went cheap and just installed standard def 4x3 CRTs: however last night they were showing the game letterboxed from the HD feed. That was kind of cool to see.

Also: wonder what the upgrades to Savvis / Scottrade Center will be like? Supposedly they're replacing all the monitors on the concourse in addition to a new jumbotron and LCD ring around the bowl. Hopefully the monitors on the concourse will he HD.

Lastly: Culpeppers in the Central West End has added some Samsung 40" LCD monitors in the dining/bar area inside. The other night they were showing a college football game (forgot who) from ESPN-HD in HD using a DirecTV feed.

Have any St Louis area HR10-250 HD Tivo owners received/activated the 6.3 software update yet? I've got 2 units, neither one has updated for me yet.

2 units, no update on either yet. :(

For anyone who dislikes the MPAA (or just wants to better understand what they're up to and how they go about it) should try to catch the latest episode of "Higher Definition" on HDNet. This installment features the director of the new movie, "This Film Not Yet Rated," which tries to strip away the secrecy of the people and process behind the US film ratings system.

Overall, it's very interesting and I think the movie would probably be worth catching. One thing that stuck with me from the Higher Definition interview is the fact that the producers of "This Film Not Yet Rated" decided to submit their film to the MPAA for rating. Because of the nature of the film, they were concerned about getting their film back after the rating process. So they spoke with the MPAA office upfront and were told that the audience for the film would be strictly limited to the raters and there would be no problem with the handling of the film, including assurances that the film would not be copied.

So, of course, it turns out that lots of "non-raters" at the MPAA did see the film, and the MPAA did make at least one copy, ostensibly for review purposes outside Los Angeles. The filmaker points out the irony in this, particularly since the MPAA said it would not do so, and then denied doing it, only later confirming that a single copy was made but was secure.

So, that's going to be my "defense" for copies going forward: I won't do it. I didn't do it. OK, I did it. But don't worry, it's in the vault. :)

The filmmaker also made the point that the biggest source of illegal film masters is the pre-production houses, and that it's likely that this is how the MPAA arranged to have a copy of his film produced.

And for those of you who don't care about the MPAA issues, the second half of this episode of "Higher Definition" features an interview with Elisha Cuthbert, of "24" and "The Girl Next Door" fame. But remember now, no copies, guys... ;)

Have any St Louis area HR10-250 HD Tivo owners received/activated the 6.3 software update yet? I've got 2 units, neither one has updated for me yet.Nope.

KPLR on Saturday afternoons ?

Two in a row and no DT broadcast period, off the air? And no Cards game on my digital equipment, just the old fashioned way. Does anybody know why?

Greg,

The last I heard, the tower where KPLR-DT has its transmitter is undergoing some maintenance work for another company (a radio station, I think).

During certain parts of the maintenance work, the transmitter needs to be turned off to ensure the safety of the work crews. I'm surprised that this is happening on Saturdays, but maybe that's the time that's been determined to cause the least viewer/listener inconvenience.

...but maybe that's the time that's been determined to cause the least viewer/listener inconvenience...During a baseball game? :eek:
Is there even a reason to watch KPLR otherwise?? :confused:

Unless KPLR actually owns the tower, it may not be something that they much say about.

Tomorrow's game is scheduled to be in HD, so hopefully KPLR will have the DT signal up and running.

Last week, their HD broadcast from AZ was also a Sunday and it was up.

Keeping with what Doug said, in all I've read, KPLR has no control as to when they are required to power-down.

During a baseball game? :eek:
Is there even a reason to watch KPLR otherwise?? :confused:


Smallville and Supernatural on Thursday nights are two of my favorite shows.

BTW, as a swan song for the WB, the pilot episodes for Buffy, Angel, Felicity, and Dawson's Creek will all play Sunday afternoon/evening (assuming the game doesn't do extra innings). Too bad Buffy and Angel weren't HD during their first seasons).

Smallville and Supernatural on Thursday nights are two of my favorite shows....We watch very few TV shows anymore. CSI Miami, NCIS, The Unit, Stargate are just about it. Other than that, we watch motorsports (not the pushing/shoving around a circle stuff), and DVDs. Can't stand the reality shows. TV is just so crappy anymore. It's the worst I can remember in my 40+ years.

Ironically, I think this might be the heydey of TV for me. Well, perhaps not the best ever, but pret;ty darn good.

I say that based soley on a few shows. 24 and Lost are two of my favorite shows of all time, with 24 I think being my favorite. Then, there are some others that I really enjoy like Without a Trace, the Unit, NCIS, How I Met Your Mother. To me, there is at least one decent show on each night.

Hey Winston,

Totally agree on both 24 and Lost. Even though 24 has very little comic relief, ol' Jack had one of the greatest lines I ever heard in the last season premiere:

"Let's get one thing straight, kid. The only reason you're still conscious is I don't want to carry you!"

Change of subject....

Extremetech has a review of the new Tivo Series 3 HD DVR:

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,2016196,00.asp

One thing that stuck out for me is..... the Tivo To Go feature has been DISABLED. Until/unless it's possible to hack that feature back in, that's a dealbreaker for me. I'll just stick with *D and my current HD Tivo and FusionHDTV cards.

Greg,

The last I heard, the tower where KPLR-DT has its transmitter is undergoing some maintenance work for another company (a radio station, I think).

During certain parts of the maintenance work, the transmitter needs to be turned off to ensure the safety of the work crews. I'm surprised that this is happening on Saturdays, but maybe that's the time that's been determined to cause the least viewer/listener inconvenience.

Is that's the reason that 105.7 The Point's signal is so horrible? I can barely get them in Clayton.

Is that's the reason that 105.7 The Point's signal is so horrible? I can barely get them in Clayton.

That's a blessing :)

I found this interesting....

FX to test new ad to combat DVR viewers
Cable channel FX plans to show what it calls the first U.K. ad designed for viewers who use digital video recorders to avoid commercials.

The ad for Showtime's new drama "Brotherhood" will show a single image on the screen for the entire 30-second slot, and therefore retain its "sales message" when viewed even at the 12-times speeds enabled by digital video recorders, or DVRs.

Advertisers have been racing to find ways to get their messages across as higher numbers of consumers watch TV programs when they want, using such recorders and often skipping the commercials.

"There are a whole host of issues that broadcasters and advertisers are currently facing and about to face that are going to irrevocably change the business," said Jason Thorp, senior vice president and deputy managing director of Fox International Channels U.K., a division of News Corp.

"A creative response will be the only solution to all of them," he added in a statement Friday.

FX noted that when it showed drama series "Sleeper Cell" in April, one-third of the ratings for the pilot episode were from viewers watching a digitally recorded version.

http://news.techrepublic.com.com/clickthru.aspx?siteid=2&storyid=1350847

This solves nothing for the 30-second Skip-Forward function I use. Personally I think we're headed towards seeing more of the lower screen pop ups, and lower corner pop ups during actual broadcasts. As annoying as they are, it's only a matter of time before broadcasters sell that type of space to advertisers beyond using it for their own promo's, headlines, scores, and alerts.

I understand the importance of advertising, its revenue, etc., but I detest that insatiable saturation where seemingly nowhere is safe from the bounds of selling an ad.

Ch. 30 tonight aired the first of a series of specially modified Star Trek TOS episodes in which all the space shots and bridge shots were replaced with digitally created versions, using CG models of the ships. It seemed quite true to the old graphics, but you could see the engines working and the phaser shots were "improved." Purists may object, but I wasn't offended. They are better than the original FX. Of course, even though the episodes were done in HD, they aired here (and everywhere else, I think) in SD. Expect the HD DVD or Blu-ray versions before too long.

Is that's the reason that 105.7 The Point's signal is so horrible? I can barely get them in Clayton.

KPNT's transmitter is just southwest of Hillsboro in Jefferson County:

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=KPNT

KPNT's transmitter is just southwest of Hillsboro in Jefferson County:

http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/fmq?call=KPNT

Has anyone else noticed their drop in signal for the last two weeks? I just switched it off because its a staticy (sp?) mess.

Ch. 30 tonight aired the first of a series of specially modified Star Trek TOS episodes in which all the space shots and bridge shots were replaced with digitally created versions, using CG models of the ships. It seemed quite true to the old graphics, but you could see the engines working and the phaser shots were "improved." Purists may object, but I wasn't offended. They are better than the original FX. Of course, even though the episodes were done in HD, they aired here (and everywhere else, I think) in SD. Expect the HD DVD or Blu-ray versions before too long.I had the same thoughts. The make-over was well done and true to the original form. I believe the also upgraded the effects of the doors opening/closing -- but I may be wrong. I just wish someone in STL would show them in HD!

Isn't one of the HD channels, like HDNet or Universal HD or one of them broadcasting some version of Trek in HD coming soon? Maybe that channel will look to add more HD Trek in the future.

Did someone forget to flip the switch or is this related to recent KPLR issues?

Rain delay .. doesn't mater

Rain delay .. doesn't mater

:) I was just about to edit my post as it's pouring right now in North County.

It was funny to hear Hagan speak about the wonderful HD picture when we were watching in SD.

We Interrupt Your Normal AVS Programming...

...for the following St. Louis housekeeping break:

In the not-so-distant past, we used to begin each month of the St. Louis discussion with an entirely new thread and usually that started with a cut/paste of basic resource information that is now buried back on the very first page of this discussion thread.

Because of its location, a lot of that general, introductory information about HDTV and OTA reception is now easily overlooked, especially with the discussion here stretching back more than 2 years and 400+ pages.

In an attempt to make this information more accessible, I'm going to post an advisory/reminder note similar to this every couple of weeks. Ideally this will make this general resource information more visible and easier to find for more readers.

With HDTV sales increasing every month, we're getting more and more newcomers here, which is a great thing to see. But like most of us when we took home our first HDTV, there's a huge amount to learn beyond where to point the remote and which buttons to push.

So, here's to filling in some of those information gaps...

Tower Maps, Your Satellite/Antenna Rights & Local Station Feedback (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995679&&#post2995679)

Using An Antenna to Receive Local HD Stations (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995718&&#post2995718)

Common Questions about HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=2995791&&#post2995791)

HD Programming Available in St. Louis (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8523674&&#post8523674)

Why Isn't KDNL-DT (ABC) Available via Charter? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8072643&&#post8072643)

New! Cardinals HD Schedule (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7576786&&#post7576786)

And finally, I want to remind everyone -- newcomers and old hands alike -- that you can access the St. Louis HDTV discussion here at AVS directly by using the shortcut URL that has been arranged.

The short-form URL also makes it very easy to remember and give the address to anyone you know who's just getting into HDTV.

The shortcut URL is: www.stlhdtv.info

I need to do an update of the HD Programming Guide this week.

Apart from the recent addition of The Food Network on DISH, are there any other HD additions on DISH, DirecTV or Charter since mid-July? Any others that are likely in the next couple of weeks?

I need to do an update of the HD Programming Guide this week.

Apart from the recent addition of The Food Network on DISH, are there any other HD additions on DISH, DirecTV or Charter since mid-July? Any others that are likely in the next couple of weeks?

TNT-HD and MHD on Charter

TNT-HD and MHD on CharterBoth were included in the July update.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7979699&&#post7979699

Both were included in the July update.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7979699&&#post7979699


Oops :) Guess I should read that more often ;)

Isn't one of the HD channels, like HDNet or Universal HD or one of them broadcasting some version of Trek in HD coming soon? Maybe that channel will look to add more HD Trek in the future.
HDNet will be showing Star Trek Enterprise. Starts this next week.

HI Doug,

You can update MHD to be DD 5.1 capable and logo pillars for 4x3.
(they are essentally all HD, the only SD I've seen so far are 4x3 music videos)

HDNet will be showing Star Trek Enterprise. Starts this next week.

Seems like a perfect fit for Trek in HD.

Anyone else having OTA reception problems right now? Its 3:40 and I'm getting TONS of breakups on OTA HD on Fox. But, my DirecTV SD channel 2 is coming in fine, not a single minute lost to rain fade.

It was always my understanding that OTA was less likely to be interrupted by "rain fade" or weather problems than a satellite dish. Am I wrong?

Isn't one of the HD channels, like HDNet or Universal HD or one of them broadcasting some version of Trek in HD coming soon? Maybe that channel will look to add more HD Trek in the future.

HDNet will be airing Enterprise in HD starting soon. Universal HD will air Firefly, the Joss Whedon space western, starting next Sunday.

As for more Trek in HD, I don't know. Reports have all parties blaming each other for the lack of HD, so if they get those wrinkles ironed out, we may see Star Trek TOS some day before too long.

HDNet will be airing Enterprise in HD starting soon. Universal HD will air Firefly, the Joss Whedon space western, starting next Sunday.

As for more Trek in HD, I don't know. Reports have all parties blaming each other for the lack of HD, so if they get those wrinkles ironed out, we may see Star Trek TOS some day before too long.If they did ST-DS9 in widescreen HD, I would love it. That was my favorite ST series by far.

Anyone else having OTA reception problems right now? Its 3:40 and I'm getting TONS of breakups on OTA HD on Fox. But, my DirecTV SD channel 2 is coming in fine, not a single minute lost to rain fade.

It was always my understanding that OTA was less likely to be interrupted by "rain fade" or weather problems than a satellite dish. Am I wrong?Mine was coming in OK, but it looked like ED and not HD, so I switched to D* NFL-ST Superfan and it looks much better.

Anyone else having OTA reception problems right now? Its 3:40 and I'm getting TONS of breakups on OTA HD on Fox. But, my DirecTV SD channel 2 is coming in fine, not a single minute lost to rain fade.

It was always my understanding that OTA was less likely to be interrupted by "rain fade" or weather problems than a satellite dish. Am I wrong?



Lost D* for quite a long time and started watching OTA with no problems. Actually had to reboot my HR10-250 to get my picture back.

Can you say "Back up Quarterback" Bulger looks lost. That's not the Mike Martz offense.

Anybody seen a HD schedule for the Blues?

More Speculation on DirecTV Sale to Liberty

The following story is from today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
________________________________________________________

Since reports of News Corp negotiating with Liberty Media to swap around 40 percent of its share of DirecTV for News Corp shares held by Liberty, the story has caught the attention of newspapers and trade publications everywhere. With the story gaining momentum, industry analysts are taking a closer look at the possible ownership swap's feasibility and implications.

Some believe the deal is possible- but probably not imminent...

Such is Bank of America's Doug Shapiro who said the ramifications to DirecTV are unclear, but possibly less significant than initially perceived, and that the deal would primarily be a positive move for Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

In a research note late last week, Shapiro posed a few questions to shed some light on the rumored transaction. First- would News Corp sell? Don't rule it out, he said, because many speculate that Murdoch has become disenchanted with sub growth prospects of DirecTV. Further, Shapiro said, Liberty would "probably" want the satellite TV service because company chair John Malone regrets selling TCI and losing the bargaining leverage that comes with being a major distributor.

So what would it mean for DirecTV? Shapiro said it would be hard to determine, but in the long run probably not all that bad. Although the initial Street reaction may be negative, the long term results may prove to be neither good or bad. As for News Corp the move would be mostly positive because DirecTV, Shapiro said, is below fair value.

But Kaufman Bros.' Todd Mitchell said the news of a possible asset swap was troubling. "After spending billions of dollars and several years to acquire its interest in DirecTV, we cannot see how a 180-degree reversal is in the best interest of News Corp. or DirecTV shareholders," the analyst said. "We never put much stake in the rumor that DirecTV would merge with EchoStar (and) we find the rumors that Murdoch has suddenly soured on the business suspicious."
________________________________________________________

For more news about the satellite TV industry, go to www.skyreport.com

dave,

Thanks for the additional details on MHD.

Can someone give me the DISH channel number for Food Network, as well as the display specifics?

Thanks again.

Can you say "Back up Quarterback" Bulger looks lost. That's not the Mike Martz offense.

Anybody seen a HD schedule for the Blues?

I was thinking the same thing, and I believe Ferrote has worked in this offensive scheme before. Just no consistency on offense, not blaming Bulger entirely. The line has to keep guys off of him and he did run for his life on too many occasions yesterday. It looks like a long season.

I was thinking the same thing, and I believe Ferrote has worked in this offensive scheme before. Just no consistency on offense, not blaming Bulger entirely. The line has to keep guys off of him and he did run for his life on too many occasions yesterday. It looks like a long season.

Lets Go Blues!

:) :) :) :) :)

dave,
Thanks for the additional details on MHD.
Can someone give me the DISH channel number for Food Network, as well as the display specifics?
Thanks again.
Channel 9462, MPEG4, 1080i, 5.1
9AM-3AM HD Programming
3AM-9AM Paid Programming

I have recently discovered that I have an attic antenna in the house I bought. I've always known of a cable in the basement and just assumed that it was for cable TV. While trying to find a way to run a cable to an upstairs bedroom, I decided to try and figure out where this mystery cable's point of origin was as I had no idea. Strange as it may sound, I have lived in my house for almost two years (100 year old house) and never went into the attic. I had no reason to. I found out that the cable was in fact from an attic antenna. The cable runs pararel to the chimney. The cable would then, if connected originally as I assume it was, run up hole into the living room now occupied by the cableTV cable.

I've had Charter HD for a year. I have never messed with OTA HD. But now that I have this "free" antenna, I would like to give it a shot. Only dealbreaker is that I need a tuner. My understanding is that I can not simply not plug this antenna cable into the Moxi box.

So I am looking for a regular HD tuner, probably one I'll buy off of eBay. What do you guys suggest?

So I am looking for a regular HD tuner, probably one I'll buy off of eBay. What do you guys suggest?

I have used an LG model (I don't remember the model number) and it works fine. My local Circuit City (Chesterfield) usually has lots of closeouts and open box items on this type of stuff. I don't know if all Circuit City's are like this or not. It might be another option to ebay.

I have used an LG model (I don't remember the model number) and it works fine. My local Circuit City (Chesterfield) usually has lots of closeouts and open box items on this type of stuff. I don't know if all Circuit City's are like this or not. It might be another option to ebay.

Well I can definately check out the CC in Fairview Heights as its nearby. What price range am I looking at?

I have used an LG model (I don't remember the model number) and it works fine. My local Circuit City (Chesterfield) usually has lots of closeouts and open box items on this type of stuff. I don't know if all Circuit City's are like this or not. It might be another option to ebay.

Yea I had an LG for awhile too on my old set with no built in tuner. It worked great. New I think it was $200+ .....

Channel 9462, MPEG4, 1080i, 5.1
9AM-3AM HD Programming
3AM-9AM Paid ProgrammingThanks, Ken.

.......I am looking for a regular HD tuner, probably one I'll buy off of eBay. What do you guys suggest?

I'm an E* subscriber and have been using an inactive D* Samsung TS360 on another tuner-less HD TV and it works great picking up OTA HD TV. While inactive E* boxes are useless for OTA, inactive D* boxes work just fine. PSIP guide data and all.

You can pick these up cheap on ebay. I think I paid about $60. Not familiar with all the models but the 360 works like a charm. I'm told that you must have the activation card, which I do. But I never had to call D* to make it work.

Frankly, I'm not understanding why people believe satellite is eventually going to lose more subscribers to cable. Can someone explain this to me? It seems as though (reports indicate) that Rupert Murdoch agrees.

As I have stated previously, at least in our area, satellite has an extremely significant advantage over cable in terms of channel options. In addition, the equipment is much better. What's the problem?

One follow-up question in updating the HD Programming Guide:

I have the NFL Sunday Ticket listed as providing 6 to 8 HD games per week. I'm assuming that this information is now out of date. Can someone with the ST package let me know how many HD games were shown on Sunday the past 2 weeks?

Winston,

I think the reason that cable is seen to have an overall advantage over satellite is that they are in the best position in terms of providing a complete TV and telecommunications package. I think cable also has a modest advantage in being focused more locally, as evidenced by its ability to pick up something like Fox Sports Midwest HD before the satellite guys get to it.

There are a couple of problems with this view, the big one being that cable is already butting up against system bandwidth constraints. No doubt this can be addressed by system upgrades or a move to more efficient compression codecs, but as things move more toward HD programming, cable will have to make some tough choices.

Also, I may be getting ahead of the script, but I think there's diminishing value in providing fixed-line phone services, as more consumers over time become all-wireless households. Obviously the number of households going all-wireless is small and will not be the majority anytime soon, but I think that trend accelerates from here, particularly as more cell phones can be used as high-speed wireless modems.

Also, you need to bear in mind that not every cable company is as hapless as Charter.

Well I can definately check out the CC in Fairview Heights as its nearby. What price range am I looking at?

I can't remember exactly because it has been awhile, but I thought the price was alitle over $100. The one I bought was an open box item so it was cheaper than a new one in the box.

I also believe, to the mainstream consumer, cable is much less intimidating than satellite, in that, for the most part, it's transparent, much like electricity and phone. We, who communicate here, are the vast minority of the main-stream consumer TV viewing population.

You move, you call the utilities. The phone company, the electric company, and the cable company. No equipment, no dish. If the previous owners had cable, all the consumer needs to know is how to plug in their TV, just like their phone and lamps.

Our current society is force-feeding technology down the throats of the consumer. For the most part, the path of least resistance prevails.

Just one of many reasons why cable will always be on top, and yet will also always be the 2nd best choice to satellite.

Uh-oh, I seem to have lost my OTA NBC signal... is 5.1 down, or am I going to have to step up to the attic to jigger with the antenna? (FYI: 5.2 aka WeatherPlus is also down, but all the other local HDs are go)

I'm getting decent OTA signal strength readings on 5-1, but when I switch to view it, it tells me to check my signal.

May be just me, but was wondering. Can someone check please?

Edit: Thanks for posting Dan. Thought it was me.

I'm getting decent OTA signal strength readings on 5-1, but when I switch to view it, it tells me to check my signal.

May be just me, but was wondering. Can someone check please?

Edit: Thanks for posting Dan. Thougt it was me.
No problem, Mo... I wasn't too bothered till I remembered that Studio 60 premiered tonight. Yikes!

No problem, Mo... I wasn't too bothered till I remembered that Studio 60 premiered tonight. Yikes!

I wonder if they even know.

It was weird. I just finished setting up my Channel Master inside and went to see how the channels looked and no 5-1.

See here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=317345) Darn it! :mad:

I'm getting decent OTA signal strength readings on 5-1, but when I switch to view it, it tells me to check my signal.

May be just me, but was wondering. Can someone check please?

Edit: Thanks for posting Dan. Thought it was me.
Dan, Mo....same here. I think it's because someone at KSDK is asleep-at-the-wheel.
Wheel is currently being fed from NBC in HD, it's coming across the SAT HD local just fine, but the OTA appears not to be linked in to the feed.

Thanks for posting about 5.1, all! You saved me a lot of headaches.

Seems that everything is back to being OK now that DEAL OR NO DEAL is on.

Doug,

I know that you previously (a few months back) posted about your HD-TiVo reporting OTA signal strenght of the same channel at significantly different strenghts on the two different tuners. I'm having the same problem and its messing up my recordings as I type, and I"m hoping you found a solution.

For example, on KMOV-DT, tuner1 has a signal strenght of the high 80s, whereas tuner2 is mid 60s. Tuner two is getting some breakups; enough to ruin the recording. (Tuner1 is recording Prison Break.)

On the other hand, KTVI-DT is mid 90s on both.

Thanks for any help!

See here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=317345) Darn it! :mad:
What? Dang. Crap. Crap on a crap cracker!

There is an HD version of tonight's Cards game. I don't know if it's originating from MIL or STL, but the D* and C* subs may want to check and see if they're receiving it. :) It's blacked-out on DISH.

If it's available in STL, it should be on either D* 95/96 or C* 792.

There is an HD version of tonight's Cards game. I don't know if it's originating from MIL or STL, but the D* and C* subs may want to check and see if they're receiving it. :) It's blacked-out on DISH.

If it's available in STL, it should be on either D* 95/96 or C* 792.

D* sub, but nada. Thanks anyway.

Has anyone else noticed their drop in signal for the last two weeks? I just switched it off because its a staticy (sp?) mess.

My email exchange with JC Corcoran about this topic:

> I used to love listening to your morning show, but for the past
> couple of weeks I can't pick up KHITS96, KSHE95, or even 105.7 that
> well. In the past, KSHE was the strongest signal of all of them
> (I live in Troy MO). I hear there's a new FM tower being put up
> somewhere... would that be why your signal has went to crap?
>
> Just food for thought, but why would I spend money on a HD radio
> when all the stations I like listening to are no longer receivable?
>
> Anyway, I miss hearing the showgram, hopefully the problem gets
> fixed soon.
>
> Thanks for all the past entertainment
>

From JC Corcoran:

"There's been a maintenance project on the broadcast tower for the
last six weeks or so forcing us, and about seven or eight other
stations in town, to be on back-up systems. They tell me we should
be back on the main in another week or so. Have you tried streaming
us at k-hits.com?

Thanks.


JC

One follow-up question in updating the HD Programming Guide:

I have the NFL Sunday Ticket listed as providing 6 to 8 HD games per week. I'm assuming that this information is now out of date. Can someone with the ST package let me know how many HD games were shown on Sunday the past 2 weeks?
Sunday ticket carries in HD all the games that FOX and CBS carry in HD but you must have the Super Fan in order to get them. CBS does 3 HD games a week and FOX does up to 6 HD games a week. There have been 9 HD games on Sunday Ticket the last two weeks. It will be 9 games each week unless because of the schedule, FOX has less than 6 games.

KSDK's HD picture is really annoying during darker shows, such as tonight's premiere of Studio 60.

I'm just watching back CSI Miami, it really looks good. All the shots in Rio really look great. I thought tonights game on ESPN looked good but the FOX games look a lot better on my set for some reason. This is my first season with the HD set, so far tonights premiers have looked pretty damn good. I'm looking forward to all the new shows now. :D

My email exchange with JC Corcoran about this topic:

> I used to love listening to your morning show, but for the past
> couple of weeks I can't pick up KHITS96, KSHE95, or even 105.7 that
> well. In the past, KSHE was the strongest signal of all of them
> (I live in Troy MO). I hear there's a new FM tower being put up
> somewhere... would that be why your signal has went to crap?
>
> Just food for thought, but why would I spend money on a HD radio
> when all the stations I like listening to are no longer receivable?
>
> Anyway, I miss hearing the showgram, hopefully the problem gets
> fixed soon.
>
> Thanks for all the past entertainment
>

From JC Corcoran:

"There's been a maintenance project on the broadcast tower for the
last six weeks or so forcing us, and about seven or eight other
stations in town, to be on back-up systems. They tell me we should
be back on the main in another week or so. Have you tried streaming
us at k-hits.com?

Thanks.


JC

Thanks

[QUOTE=Quort]My email exchange with JC Corcoran about this topic:

> I used to love listening to your morning show, but for the past
> couple of weeks I can't pick up KHITS96, KSHE95, or even 105.7 that
> well. In the past, KSHE was the strongest signal of all of them
>

I have been listening to 105.7 in the morning and occasionally KSHE in the afternoons, and they both come in fine for me.

sandblaster,

Thanks for the ST info -- much appreciated.

Winston,

I remember this issue, but can't remember how I resolved it. I'd suggest that you reboot your TiVo receiver (remove mains power for a minute or two) and see if that clears it up.

KSDK's HD picture is really annoying during darker shows, such as tonight's premiere of Studio 60.Why is that?

Are you seeing artifacts, or strange color? If it's artifacts of some kind, it might help if you could describe them. I recorded the second half of Studio 60 (forgot to set the Season Pass), so if you can point out a specific scene in the last 20 minutes and the specific problem you are seeing (what and where), I can check (as can others here) to see if the problem is general to the station/network or specific to you.

FYI -- won't be able to follow up on this until at least this evening.

NFL Network Losing Field Position with Smashmouth Tactics

The following story is from today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
______________________________________________________

Just as the 2006 NFL season is getting underway with its new-look television coverage, the NFL Network is coming under pressure from both sides of the ball. And when taking a look at the predicament that the 24/7 football channel has gotten itself into, some are starting to wonder who is really to blame. Not only are MSOs chop-blocking the legs out from under the league's in-house TV station, but broadcasters too are turning up the heat in order to stay in the game.

According to reports, Comcast has initiated a plan that would move the NFL Network to a new digital sports and entertainment tier, notifying its systems everywhere that at the beginning of the year, the country's largest MSO will only carry NFLN on this restricted package. The move, Comcast officials said on a conference call last week, would kick in just two days after NFLN's last live game of 2006. Reports have also suggested the new tier would cost Comcast digital cable subs an additional $5 per month.

The switch would take NFLN off Comcast's basic AND second-level digital tiers, sacking the channel into a position of reaching far fewer than the 7 million customers said second-level reaches. Although the network has refused to comment on the conflict, league sources have vowed to fight such a move saying cable operators don't have the right to punt the network to a sports-only tier. NFLN reportedly is demanding that operators carry its programming on an expanded-basic basis which would pipe the net into more than 68 million households.

The NFL Network also launched a monster ad campaign urging fans to demand their cable systems carry the channel or switch to either DirecTV or DISH for their football fix: It's been deals with the satellite companies that have largely enabled NFLN to huddle up its roughly 41 million subscribers. Not to mention that cable operators don't like paying an inflated cost-per-subscriber licensing fee for the channel while the NFL so heavily promotes its "Sunday Ticket" package on DirecTV.

The Comcast news comes on the heels of Time Warner Cable's scheduled drop of the channel from more than one million homes in football-less Los Angeles, football-hungry Cleveland, football-consumed Dallas and football-wasteland, Buffalo. The week prior, Insight Communications refused to pay the net a surcharge on live game carriage.

And in just more bad business practice news, weeks before this latest run-in with MSOs the NFL told broadcasters that their own local news crews would no longer be allowed to cover the games from the sidelines. In repsonse, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO David Rehr recently sent a letter to the league's new Commissioner Roger Goodell urging him to reverse the "poorly thought out" and "discriminating" policy. On behalf of local broadcasters across the nation, Rehr asked league brass to reconsider the ban and "quickly repair the crucial link between NFL teams and their communities."
______________________________________________________

HD Upgrades Too Costly for Murdoch, DirecTV?

This seems like a largely speculative article. After all, Murdoch and News Corp. own major satellite TV properties in both Europe and Asia (this was part of the rationale for pursuing ownership of DirecTV). HDTV is currently rolling out in the UK and I assume the same will be happening soon in Asia.

So, making the migration from SD to more bandwidth-demanding HD is going to be an issue for News Corp. whether DirecTV is part of the family or not. I think a contrarian view on this sort of speculation would be that News Corp. has everything to gain by staying the course with DirecTV and cracking the HD migration riddle, because the lessons learned along the way will come in handy for its other international satellite TV properties.

Unless, of course, Murdoch has soured on the satellite business completely and plans to sell out globally.

The following story is from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
_______________________________________________________

News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch has wanted to own a satellite TV service in the United States for 10 years.

So, why is he now negotiating to swap his controlling interest in satcaster DIRECTV to John Malone's Liberty Media?

News reports suggest that Murdoch is frustrated that DIRECTV doesn't have the technical capacity to offer wireless and Broadband services. Studies have recently indicated that cable TV operators may be stealing customers from satellite because they can offer those services.

However, another reason that Murdoch may be contemplating the swap is the high cost of High-Definition TV.

DIRECTV has committed to launching four new satellites so it can expand its high-def programming lineup. The satcaster now offers just nine national HD channels, far less than its satellite rival EchoStar and most cable TV systems. With the new satellites, all of which should be operational next year, DIRECTV says it can provide local HD signals in most markets and up to 150 national HD channels.

But the satellites -- and the supporting infrastructure -- are enormously expensive, perhaps costing up to a billion dollars (if not more than that.).

In addition, DIRECTV has hinted in the past that it will offer free upgrades to new MPEG 4 receivers, which high-def owners will need to display the new channels in 2007. While the exchange program would add cost, it might be necessary to ensure that all DIRECTV high-def owners purchase the new HD programming packages.

Interestingly, Eric Shanks, DIRECTV's executive vice president of entertainment, told TVPredictions.com last week that DIRECTV has yet to make a decision on next year's upgrade policy. The remark might suggest that DIRECTV is rethinking the free upgrade plan.

Add it all up and it's abundantly clear that DIRECTV will have to spend a small fortune to expand its high-def lineup and stay competitive with EchoStar and cable TV.

With satellite TV's subscriber growth slowing, the cost may be too much for Murdoch to bear.
_______________________________________________________

For more stories on the TV industry, go to www.tvpredictions.com

Frankly, I'm not understanding why people believe satellite is eventually going to lose more subscribers to cable. Can someone explain this to me? It seems as though (reports indicate) that Rupert Murdoch agrees.

As I have stated previously, at least in our area, satellite has an extremely significant advantage over cable in terms of channel options. In addition, the equipment is much better. What's the problem?

I've attempted twice to get satelite. The first time we were going to get Dish when we bought our house. Lazy-azz dude came out and "couldn't find" a place for the dish, siting line of sight issues. We have a very steep angled roof and my guess is he didn't want to deal with it if he had to go up that high. This was also a couple days before christmas and I am sure it was poor work motivation, not line-of sight.

Second time I was going to get Direct. This was after I got HD and I was getting that annoying pixelation/tiling cut out junk going on with Charter. Charter couldn't solve the problem and I was getting very angry at their cutomer service.

A casual friend who works with DTV was going to "hook me up", but to be honest the out of pocket costs are unreal...rebates/deals or not. I just didn't have around $500 to set it up. This was before they had the HD DVR available with locals so, I had to get a Tivo, an HD tuner, and antenna and a dish.

But thanks to this board I was able to fix Charter's problem myself. The truth is that it just easier to get cable than satelite. And if you have any technical abilities, having cable ain't so bad and you can usually troubleshoot yourself, especially with the internet.

Universal Studios Chief Dumps on Blu-ray

The following excerpt is from today's TV Predictions newsletter:
__________________________________________________

Looking for a winner in the HD-DVD-Blu-ray format war?

Universal Studios president Craig Kornblau says the HDTV DVD war is over and Toshiba's HD-DVD has won.

In a statement issued last week to attendees of the CEDIA Expo in Denver, Kornblau said the early reviews indicate that consumers prefer HD-DVD to Sony's Blu-ray.

"Look at the blogs, look at the reviews by the early adopters and even look at the mainstream media," Kornblau said. "HD DVD has maintained its first-to-market advantage and delivered on the promises of providing the best high definition image and sound quality at the best value for consumers today."

Universal Studios has been a supporter of HD-DVD since the formats were introduced in 2006. However, some Blu-ray backers had hoped that Universal would eventually release its films on both discs, as Warner and Paramount now do. But Kornblau's remarks would suggest that Universal has no plans to do so.
_____________________________________________________

For the full story, click here. (http://www.tvpredictions.com/universalbluray091906.htm)

My email exchange with JC Corcoran about this topic:

> I used to love listening to your morning show, but for the past
> couple of weeks I can't pick up KHITS96, KSHE95, or even 105.7 that
> well. In the past, KSHE was the strongest signal of all of them
> (I live in Troy MO). I hear there's a new FM tower being put up
> somewhere... would that be why your signal has went to crap?
>
> Just food for thought, but why would I spend money on a HD radio
> when all the stations I like listening to are no longer receivable?
>
> Anyway, I miss hearing the showgram, hopefully the problem gets
> fixed soon.
>
> Thanks for all the past entertainment
>

From JC Corcoran:

"There's been a maintenance project on the broadcast tower for the
last six weeks or so forcing us, and about seven or eight other
stations in town, to be on back-up systems. They tell me we should
be back on the main in another week or so. Have you tried streaming
us at k-hits.com?

Thanks.


JC

KFUO has had a static in the surrounds that they apologized for some time ago and said they couldn't do anything about. They must be one of the stations affected. (I don't notice it in the car, with just stereo engaged.)

First of all I have had D* for 5 years this November. I've had HD and the HD DVR since January. I am really getting annoyed with D* and their lack of HD programming. I wasn't annoyed when they cut back on TNT for NASCAR but now they have grabbed part of HD Net's programming time for football. I was trying to be patient in terms of waiting until next year for programming but to cut back on two channels due to a bandwidth shortage is annoying.

I was also waiting for the 6.3 upgrade to add folders, faster menu, etc. Waited a few months for that and now it's been halted due to discovered issues.

The HR10-250 is also notorious for poor OTA reception. I've also had a failing hard drive and spent way too much time dealing with replacement units. I was offered the new DVR which is not Tivo based but it doesn't have live 2 buffers and does not support OTA. I'd be finished with dealing with an antenna for locals. It's a dilemma and there is always a trade off. I think the 6.3 upgrade being halted is the last straw.

I bought the first standalone Tivo and love the interface but I am seriously considering switching to Dish. I have never seen or operated a Dish receiver. Supposedly the PQ is better and they have more HD content. I am especially interested in NG in HD wich is not an option with D*.

Who here has switched from D* to E* or vice versa? Are you glad you did? Pros and cons?

Thanks!

I know that you previously (a few months back) posted about your HD-TiVo reporting OTA signal strenght of the same channel at significantly different strenghts on the two different tuners.

Here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=312472&page=1&pp=30) is an interesting post about improving OTA signal by replacing the coax cables inside the DTivo.

I haven't tried yet but plan to give it a shot ;)


Good luck,
Token

[QUOTE=Quort]My email exchange with JC Corcoran about this topic:

> I used to love listening to your morning show, but for the past
> couple of weeks I can't pick up KHITS96, KSHE95, or even 105.7 that
> well. In the past, KSHE was the strongest signal of all of them
>

I have been listening to 105.7 in the morning and occasionally KSHE in the afternoons, and they both come in fine for me.

Where are you listening from? If you're further out west and closer to the tower you might have better luck than me. But I'm in the city by the Hi Pointe and I can barely pick 105.7 up. Same with downtown at work.

Previously I had no problem but now the signal is cr*p.

The dual buffer of the 622 was already mentioned. This is nice for watching 2 live events using PIP.

The feature I didn't expect is an RF modulator for RF output that can be set to UHF channels. I now have my 622 set to Ch 62, which joins the output of my 721 (set to 3) and route both signals through my entire house.

Now I can watch any source on any TV. Granted the RF out is not HD, but at least i gives me a way to easily send the signal around the house. With all the new shows, I was having a hard time fitting all my wifes stuff on the 721. Now it doesn't matter...

Dave

I've attempted twice to get satelite. The first time we were going to get Dish when we bought our house. Lazy-azz dude came out and "couldn't find" a place for the dish, siting line of sight issues. We have a very steep angled roof and my guess is he didn't want to deal with it if he had to go up that high. This was also a couple days before christmas and I am sure it was poor work motivation, not line-of sight.

Second time I was going to get Direct. This was after I got HD and I was getting that annoying pixelation/tiling cut out junk going on with Charter. Charter couldn't solve the problem and I was getting very angry at their cutomer service.

A casual friend who works with DTV was going to "hook me up", but to be honest the out of pocket costs are unreal...rebates/deals or not. I just didn't have around $500 to set it up. This was before they had the HD DVR available with locals so, I had to get a Tivo, an HD tuner, and antenna and a dish.

But thanks to this board I was able to fix Charter's problem myself. The truth is that it just easier to get cable than satelite. And if you have any technical abilities, having cable ain't so bad and you can usually troubleshoot yourself, especially with the internet.

But, at least here in STL, cable is more expensive and gives your fewer options, and provides inferior equipment. . Personally, I have the point of view that I'd rather spend some money out of pocket initially rather than get raped per month.

Isn't Charter's DVR service for the MOXI 12.99 per month? DirecTV's DVR service is 5.99 per month. Whether you have TiVo service through DirecTV (which is better) or the regular DirecTV DVR service, its better than the MOXI and significantly cheaper. Then, there's the cost of renting the MOXI, a piece of equipment that is far inferior to the DirecTV DVR.

You're right that its easier -- much, and there's less out of pocket startup costs. But, that's where cable's advantages ends... at least in the STL market.

Here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=312472&page=1&pp=30) is an interesting post about improving OTA signal by replacing the coax cables inside the DTivo.

I haven't tried yet but plan to give it a shot ;)


Good luck,
Token

I saw that.... I'm very hesitant to open up the box and start messing with things.

I sure wish someone had posted pics on that -- of the inside of the TiVo box -- so I could make a more informed decision on whether or not I wanted to open it up and give it a shot.

I upgraded the hard drive on my parents SD TiVo w/ a kit from weaknees.... I wonder how much harder this would be.

Mo, I'm with you.

As much as I like DirecTV and I love TiVo (not to mention I"m so familiar w/ both) Dish is sounding better and better all the time.

Is the 622 receiver the one that comes w/ a 1000+? Does the 622 have OTA inputs?

Mo, I'm with you.

As much as I like DirecTV and I love TiVo (not to mention I"m so familiar w/ both) Dish is sounding better and better all the time.

Is the 622 receiver the one that comes w/ a 1000+? Does the 622 have OTA inputs?

I just switched from Direct to Dish about 4 weeks ago, in the St. Louis area they install the 1000+ for the HD packages. The 622 has 1 OTA tuner and gives your the ability to record both Sat tuners and OTA at the same time giving you 3 recorded streams. Last night was my first real workout with the box, I had all three tuners recording, the box set to dual tv mode. My wife was watching a recorded event in the bedroom and I was watching a different recorded event in the living room. So I guess you could say it was actually processing 5 streams at the same time. I could see not slow down or hesitation with the remotes or pausing and fast forwarding. The MPEG4 locals have kind of a soft look to them but still look pretty good. I was watching CSI Miami which was recorded from the MPEG4 feed and could not tell that it wasn't from OTA. The OTA tuner has been excellent so far, no drop or outs or blocking that I have noticed it is just as good as the tuner built in to my LG Plasma, which I think has an excellent tuner.
I have been very pleased with the switch to date. Plus it's cool to watch the Dog Whisper in HD(my wife says she is going to ban me from watching it though) :D

[QUOTE=jimglobe]

Where are you listening from? If you're further out west and closer to the tower you might have better luck than me. But I'm in the city by the Hi Pointe and I can barely pick 105.7 up. Same with downtown at work.

Previously I had no problem but now the signal is cr*p.

I have been listening to 105.7 every morning since 101.1 fired everybody a week or two ago. I drive from Chesterfield down Hwy 40 to Clayton. Sometimes up Hwy 170 over to Hwy 70 towards the St Louis city line. Has been coming in fine for me.

I'm told that you must have the activation card, which I do. But I never had to call D* to make it work.

Hi...been gone awhile. You only need the card to setup for OTA with the Sammy SIR TS<whatever>. If you have a neighbor with a card, borrow it for about 5 minutes and give it back to him.

Walt

NFL Network Losing Field Position with Smashmouth Tactics

The following story is from today's SkyREPORT newsletter:
______________________________________________________

Just as the 2006 NFL season is getting underway with its new-look television coverage, the NFL Network is coming under pressure from both sides of the ball. And when taking a look at the predicament that the 24/7 football channel has gotten itself into, some are starting to wonder who is really to blame. Not only are MSOs chop-blocking the legs out from under the league's in-house TV station, but broadcasters too are turning up the heat in order to stay in the game.

According to reports, Comcast has initiated a plan that would move the NFL Network to a new digital sports and entertainment tier, notifying its systems everywhere that at the beginning of the year, the country's largest MSO will only carry NFLN on this restricted package. The move, Comcast officials said on a conference call last week, would kick in just two days after NFLN's last live game of 2006. Reports have also suggested the new tier would cost Comcast digital cable subs an additional $5 per month.

The switch would take NFLN off Comcast's basic AND second-level digital tiers, sacking the channel into a position of reaching far fewer than the 7 million customers said second-level reaches. Although the network has refused to comment on the conflict, league sources have vowed to fight such a move saying cable operators don't have the right to punt the network to a sports-only tier. NFLN reportedly is demanding that operators carry its programming on an expanded-basic basis which would pipe the net into more than 68 million households.

The NFL Network also launched a monster ad campaign urging fans to demand their cable systems carry the channel or switch to either DirecTV or DISH for their football fix: It's been deals with the satellite companies that have largely enabled NFLN to huddle up its roughly 41 million subscribers. Not to mention that cable operators don't like paying an inflated cost-per-subscriber licensing fee for the channel while the NFL so heavily promotes its "Sunday Ticket" package on DirecTV.

The Comcast news comes on the heels of Time Warner Cable's scheduled drop of the channel from more than one million homes in football-less Los Angeles, football-hungry Cleveland, football-consumed Dallas and football-wasteland, Buffalo. The week prior, Insight Communications refused to pay the net a surcharge on live game carriage.

And in just more bad business practice news, weeks before this latest run-in with MSOs the NFL told broadcasters that their own local news crews would no longer be allowed to cover the games from the sidelines. In repsonse, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO David Rehr recently sent a letter to the league's new Commissioner Roger Goodell urging him to reverse the "poorly thought out" and "discriminating" policy. On behalf of local broadcasters across the nation, Rehr asked league brass to reconsider the ban and "quickly repair the crucial link between NFL teams and their communities."
______________________________________________________

This is an interesting article. I don't know what make NFL network think they "can't be punted to a sports-tier". I think cable companies are trying to keep the price down for people who don't want the NFL network. Surveys show only 30% of viewers watch any sports, but sports programming is very expensive.

KSDK's HD picture is really annoying during darker shows, such as tonight's premiere of Studio 60.

Mine looked pretty good from both the MyHD and charter. Most of their prime time dramas are very dark. What kind of display do you have and what are you feeding it? Maybe a call to Doug would help.

Walt

But, at least here in STL, cable is more expensive and gives your fewer options, and provides inferior equipment. . Personally, I have the point of view that I'd rather spend some money out of pocket initially rather than get raped per month.

Isn't Charter's DVR service for the MOXI 12.99 per month? DirecTV's DVR service is 5.99 per month. Whether you have TiVo service through DirecTV (which is better) or the regular DirecTV DVR service, its better than the MOXI and significantly cheaper. Then, there's the cost of renting the MOXI, a piece of equipment that is far inferior to the DirecTV DVR.

You're right that its easier -- much, and there's less out of pocket startup costs. But, that's where cable's advantages ends... at least in the STL market.

Most of what you said as far as the service and equipment is just personal opinion. Can your satellite company give you Cable TV, HDTV, DVR, Internet, and Phone service?? all on one bill? Doesn't the satellite charge you per room hookup? I can have 10 cable hookups in my house for one price. Cable is far easier to deal with.

[QUOTE=dweebe]

I have been listening to 105.7 every morning since 101.1 fired everybody a week or two ago. I drive from Chesterfield down Hwy 40 to Clayton. Sometimes up Hwy 170 over to Hwy 70 towards the St Louis city line. Has been coming in fine for me.

They fired everyone at 101.1? Does that mean they won't suck now??

As a mid to late thirties male, who just moved back to the St. Louis area a year ago, one thing's for certain - commercial radio in STL is hideous! I would prefer all of their antenna's stay down. The only station worth mentioning is 88.1, KDHX. They play music by dj's who know and care about the stuff. I saw K-Hit's runs Little Steven's "Underground Garage" show at 10:30PM on Sunday evenings? That would be the only necessary time to listen in my book..

But, at least here in STL, cable is more expensive and gives your fewer options, and provides inferior equipment. . Personally, I have the point of view that I'd rather spend some money out of pocket initially rather than get raped per month.

Isn't Charter's DVR service for the MOXI 12.99 per month? DirecTV's DVR service is 5.99 per month. Whether you have TiVo service through DirecTV (which is better) or the regular DirecTV DVR service, its better than the MOXI and significantly cheaper. Then, there's the cost of renting the MOXI, a piece of equipment that is far inferior to the DirecTV DVR.

You're right that its easier -- much, and there's less out of pocket startup costs. But, that's where cable's advantages ends... at least in the STL market.

The cost of renting the MOXI is included in the various "Value Packages" that Charter offers. The monthly fee, with no promotions, etc. is about $75 for all the HD channels charter offers, the MOXI, and the basic, expanded basic, and one digital tier (basically most SD channels you would want).

The MOXI box that Charter offers certainly has space limitations, which are a major issue, but I personally like the MOXI interface, and find it extremely easy to use, especially for the the technically challenged (i.e. my wife and kids).

All that being said, satellite is superior in terms of customer service, and in product offerings, which is why I tried to switch to Dish a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunatiely, no line of sight.

Most of what you said as far as the service and equipment is just personal opinion. Can your satellite company give you Cable TV, HDTV, DVR, Internet, and Phone service?? all on one bill? Doesn't the satellite charge you per room hookup? I can have 10 cable hookups in my house for one price. Cable is far easier to deal with.


My phone company gives me DSl, Sat. Tv, HDTV, HDDVR, Cell Phone and Land Line Phone service all on one bill, plus Centurytel has free long distance calling as part of my bundle deal to help them compete with the VOIP providers. I know AT&T has similiar deals and even better prices. I had Charter's phone service when I first bought my house and I had nothing but problems with it. It wouldn't have been so bad if getting them to deal with my problems wouldn't have been so bad. I actually think they wanted to lose my business(at least thats how they acted). The other problem I had with Charter was my bill, it was always screwed up and I could never get them to get it right without numerous call backs to supervisors. Most of the techs that would come out were very polite and courteous though, never had a problem with them. Having them show up was another issue all together. Cable does have a definate advantage on multiple room hookup though. But if you want the movie channels, don't you have to have a seperate STB in each room with charter, or has that changed?

But, at least here in STL, cable is more expensive and gives your fewer options, and provides inferior equipment. . Personally, I have the point of view that I'd rather spend some money out of pocket initially rather than get raped per month.

Cable is by far the cheapest way for me. Cheaper only depends on the number of TVs you are feeding. If you exceed the BOXES requirements by Satellite, it becomes MORE expensive. At least that is what I have been told by the telemarketers trying to get my business. The usual response is, "You have how many TVs AND internet? Good bye?"

Isn't Charter's DVR service for the MOXI 12.99 per month? DirecTV's DVR service is 5.99 per month. Whether you have TiVo service through DirecTV (which is better) or the regular DirecTV DVR service, its better than the MOXI and significantly cheaper. Then, there's the cost of renting the MOXI, a piece of equipment that is far inferior to the DirecTV DVR.

Let's see...cost of renting Moxi....$12.99 per month. Cost of renting D*s DVR.....$299.00 plus $5.99 per month. Cost comparison over 3years...Moxi=36X12.99=$467.64.....D*DVR=(36X5.99)+299=$514. 64....Which is cheaper? On top of this the $299.00 up front is like a PSL. If the unit breaks, you pay for the repair. If the Moxi breaks, Charter pays for the repair. Again, which is cheaper?


You're right that its easier -- much, and there's less out of pocket startup costs. But, that's where cable's advantages ends... at least in the STL market.

Yep....Another cost savings.

Now do you want to discuss picture quality?? :eek:

Even after all of this, there is a possibility that I will not need as many tuners "on line". If this happens, I am seriously considering getting DSL and going to E*. Sunday ticket is definitely tempting but I can not stand the compression artifacts on SD D* for more than 15 minutes without getting a headache. Their HD lite also leaves much to be desired. I have not watched E* very much but they have the MOST HD so they can't be too bad. I really wish that Verizon, with their fiber to the house, would come to our area soon. Thirty MPS makes my pee pee all twichawee. :D

Walt

... On top of this the $299.00 up front is like a PSL. If the unit breaks, you pay for the repair. If the Moxi breaks, Charter pays for the repair. Again, which is cheaper?
...

Walt

Unfortunately, People can get the HD Tivo and even the new HD DVR. There are imaginary waiting lists for the Moxi. I've tried to get one for my mother-in-law, and they don't seem to exist. Also, how much more is Moxi with mate(I really don't know, I'm not trying to flame). Also, if you need any channel over 99 on Cable on more than one tv, you have to pay to rent the digital box plus a remote fee. I don't think any of them are very good, I hope Fiber Optic comes to st louis to get a bit more choice.
Dug

Most of what you said as far as the service and equipment is just personal opinion. Can your satellite company give you Cable TV, HDTV, DVR, Internet, and Phone service?? all on one bill? Doesn't the satellite charge you per room hookup? I can have 10 cable hookups in my house for one price. Cable is far easier to deal with.

Easier does not mean better...

I'll stick with Dish and have more choices, better equipment and better customer service.

As for the billing, charter never would let me go all-in-one for my phone/internet.
Now I'm dropping it and going with DSL.

Unfortunately, People can get the HD Tivo and even the new HD DVR. There are imaginary waiting lists for the Moxi. I've tried to get one for my mother-in-law, and they don't seem to exist. Also, how much more is Moxi with mate(I really don't know, I'm not trying to flame). Also, if you need any channel over 99 on Cable on more than one tv, you have to pay to rent the digital box plus a remote fee. I don't think any of them are very good, I hope Fiber Optic comes to st louis to get a bit more choice.
Dug

That's a good point. I don't think you can even get a MOXI now due to apparent (or imaginary) supply issues. The Moxi mate is an extra $8 ($20 vs. $12) according to the rate card I received with my last bill. One other thing that came as a bit of a surprise to me when I tried to get E* was the size of the new 1000+ dish - its massive (I think the dish itself is over 30" wide, not to mention the mounting kit, etc). I'm sure this is a stumbling block for some people who hate Charter, but don't want to put something that big on their roof.

One must remember that the Mate is another cable box. It doesn't do HD.

Channels 1 through 99 is all that is necessary for 6 of my tuners.

I CAN watch Cards games in HD on channel 792 (FSMW).

I think the wait for Moxi is not due to supply. I think they had a lot of problems with the originals and it cost them a bundle to repair them. I think that is why, for awhile, you could not get the Moxi DVR. You had to get the Moxi/Mate. I wish Charter had gone with the Scientific Atlanta unit. It had a larger harddrive than the Moxi and there is no Mate.

Walt

One other thing that came as a bit of a surprise to me when I tried to get E* was the size of the new 1000+ dish - its massive (I think the dish itself is over 30" wide, not to mention the mounting kit, etc). I'm sure this is a stumbling block for some people who hate Charter, but don't want to put something that big on their roof.


It is pretty big but it's not as tall as my old dish was. My wife says it looks like a UFO landed on our roof! I thought it would look worse than it does. That is one of the biggest problems with Satellite, is where to put it or line of site issues. I know my old house, I had to trench across the yard and down the hill to clear my Maples that were in the way. Cable does not have to worry about these kind of problems.

I'm paying a ridiculous $35 per month for the Moxi and Mate. The problem is once you get it, it's hard to live without it. Everytime I call Charter complaining about the bill, they tell me it's correct. Sometimes they lower my overall bill and when I get the monthly statement, it's always higher. Of course they never have a record of what they told me on previous calls. It's like an insane asylum.

But, at least here in STL, cable is more expensive and gives your fewer options, and provides inferior equipment. . Personally, I have the point of view that I'd rather spend some money out of pocket initially rather than get raped per month.

Isn't Charter's DVR service for the MOXI 12.99 per month? DirecTV's DVR service is 5.99 per month. Whether you have TiVo service through DirecTV (which is better) or the regular DirecTV DVR service, its better than the MOXI and significantly cheaper. Then, there's the cost of renting the MOXI, a piece of equipment that is far inferior to the DirecTV DVR.

You're right that its easier -- much, and there's less out of pocket startup costs. But, that's where cable's advantages ends... at least in the STL market.

Some other posters made some good points for cable. I do pay around $12 or so for Moxi, but I only pay $4 for the HD channels. The quotes I got for Dish and DTV's HD tiers where around $10-$12. So that's pretty much a wash out.

To be honest, I have had zero problems with Charter, OTHER THAN the pixelation problem that I was able to solve myself using helpful advice from this board. I've had my Moxi for almost two years with zero problems, and I consider myself lucky I guess knowing the problems other people have had.

But I read on here people complaining just as much about the satelite services as cable. I don't think anyone is 100% happy with any service.

I don't really care about more channels/options etc...Other than HD versions of the Networks, I watch ESPNHD, ESPN2, FSN HBOHD and Comedy Central. I do wish I had the NFLN, ABC and ESPN2 in HD, but completely switching services for a couple channels is just a waste to me. If cable/sat service was alacarte, I would only have like 10 channels.

Initially, I had excellent experience with Charter when I lived in North County.
I had phone and Internet for over a year without a single outage.
My only problem was with the billing customer service.
The phone and internet were separate bills but when we moved in '05 they credited our final phone payment to the Internet account. Six months and several collection notices later they finally resolved the situation.

I can't believe I'm admitting this but I might give them another try for phone and Internet if they had actually run cable to our house. The only cabled the 2/3 of our new subdivision :(

I have been a Directv customer since the USSB days.
If if it wasn't for the Sunday Ticket I would be jumping ship to Dish.
Directv's parting with Tivo is almost the last straw for me. :(

Token

In celebration of international talk like a pirate day...
Arrrrrrr....ye scurvy dogs!
They interrupt The Unit during the introductory shoot out to cover the press conference about the finding of the baby, then interrupt the press conference to return us to the first commercial break. Now I have no idea whats going on.

Arrrrrrrrrrr!

[QUOTE=jimglobe]

They fired everyone at 101.1? Does that mean they won't suck now??

As a mid to late thirties male, who just moved back to the St. Louis area a year ago, one thing's for certain - commercial radio in STL is hideous! I would prefer all of their antenna's stay down. The only station worth mentioning is 88.1, KDHX. They play music by dj's who know and care about the stuff. I saw K-Hit's runs Little Steven's "Underground Garage" show at 10:30PM on Sunday evenings? That would be the only necessary time to listen in my book..


You hit the nail on the head they all suck. As a example my boys and I call KSHE COMMERSHE. Listen to K-HITS with their no repeat format. They go from Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel in between five to ten of commercials. One time waiting for the five o'clock Zepp "COMMERSHE" had twelve minuets of commercials. Thats unexceptable.

[QUOTE=shaka]


You hit the nail on the head they all suck. As a example my boys and I call KSHE COMMERSHE. Listen to K-HITS with their no repeat format. They go from Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel in between five to ten of commercials. One time waiting for the five o'clock Zepp "COMMERSHE" had twelve minuets of commercials. Thats unexceptable.

The format switch of 101.1 has forced me to use my mp3 player even more. And radio wonders why it's dying...

I just switched from Direct to Dish about 4 weeks ago, in the St. Louis area they install the 1000+ for the HD packages. The 622 has 1 OTA tuner...That's the deal breaker for me. I (like many) need two OTA tuners. I'm really surprised DISH hasn't wised up to that yet.

That's the deal breaker for me. I (like many) need two OTA tuners. I'm really surprised DISH hasn't wised up to that yet.
Curious about this, STL, for what reason(s)?

With the Dish 622 and OTA, 3 network broadcasts can be viewed/recorded simultaneously. I have a ATSC tuner in one of my HDTV's, but never use it, so now I'm wondering what I'm missing :confused:
Is it related to recording/archiving using a HD card via computer?

That's the deal breaker for me. I (like many) need two OTA tuners. I'm really surprised DISH hasn't wised up to that yet.

With the locals in HD on the Sat. I didn't need the dual OTA tuners. I have found the MPEG4 picture quality to be very good. When used in combination with the OTA the 3 tuners works nice. The only thing I use the OTA exclusively for is Channel 11 and 9 since it is not on dish in HD. Plus I still use my OTA built in to my tv if I am recording 3 things and want to watch something else live OTA. It is pretty nice how in the guide the OTA stations show up highlighted in yellow so you can tell the difference. It also gives you a signal strength meter for a couple of seconds when tuning to an OTA station. So far I have been very impressed, I thought coming from Tivo would be tough. Plus I was worried about the Wife Approval factor. So far so good on all fronts. :)

Unfortunately, People can get the HD Tivo and even the new HD DVR. There are imaginary waiting lists for the Moxi. I've tried to get one for my mother-in-law, and they don't seem to exist.

Same here. My mother-in-law has been trying to get a HD DVR from Charter since last November. :eek:

Meanwhile, I have two HD Tivo's free of charge from D*. One owned, one leased. The $299 fee is for ppl that don't know how to negotiate and enjoy paying retail. ;)

Not to long ago Doug posted that he thought D* looked pretty crappy. At the time I thought it looked pretty starved. But tonight and last night I have noticed the PQ to be about as bad as I have ever seen. Anybody else see this.

I have the Tivo HD PVR from Directv. Yesterday I called to see about the cost of getting the new HR20 DVR. The CS Rep gave me a price of $99 plus tax and $19.95 installation. He said that since I wanted to exchange my Tivo HD PVR for the HR20, I had to charge everything on my credit card ($127.56 total) and then he gave me an instant credit for the same amount on my Directv account. Having it installed September 29. Not to bad of a deal.

I have the Tivo HD PVR from Directv. Yesterday I called to see about the cost of getting the new HR20 DVR. The CS Rep gave me a price of $99 plus tax and $19.95 installation. He said that since I wanted to exchange my Tivo HD PVR for the HR20, I had to charge everything on my credit card ($127.56 total) and then he gave me an instant credit for the same amount on my Directv account. Having it installed September 29. Not to bad of a deal.I hope it's reasonable to upgrade when my time comes. But as long as the H20 doesn't do OTA (so I can get 9 and 11, which the H20 doesn't), and D* doesn't have any new HD channels that are MPEG4 only, I don't see any reason to get rid of my two H10-250s

Class-Action Suit Filed vs DirecTV for HD Picture Quality

I'm generally anti-lawsuit, and particularly class-action lawsuit, but this is one that I am going to sign onto.

This should serve as "a shot across the bow" for ALL Pay TV distributors...

From today's TV Predictions newsletter:
___________________________________________________

A DIRECTV subscriber has filed a class action lawsuit against the satcaster, claiming it reduced its High-Definition TV picture quality after he signed up for the service.

Peter Cohen, the subscriber, filed the lawsuit in November 2004. The complaint alleges that DIRECTV engaged in unlawful or fraudulent business practices by lowering its HDTV picture resolution in September 2004.

Cohen first signed up for DIRECTV's $10.99 monthly HDTV programming package in 2003. He says DIRECTV at that time promised that HDTV would provide "astonishing picture quality." However, he claims that DIRECTV broke that promise by lowering the picture quality in 2004.

DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer yesterday said the lawsuit was without merit.

"We believe the plaintiff’s underlying claims are completely without merit because DIRECTV’s High Definition service is high quality, true HD service under accepted definitions for satellite TV," Mercer said. "If it were otherwise, we doubt the plaintiff would continue to subscribe to and pay for DIRECTV HD programming."

Whether DIRECTV purposely squeezes the HD picture quality to create room for more channels has been a hot topic on Internet message boards for two years. The alleged practice has been dubbed DIRECTV's 'HD Lite.'

However, DIRECTV has consistently maintained that its high-def picture is comparable to or better than any other TV provider.

Cohen's class action lawsuit came to light this week when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Peter Lichtman ruled against DIRECTV's motion to compel arbitration in the case.

Mercer said DIRECTV was "disappointed" in the judge's ruling and is now "evaluating our options in light of the ruling."

In the lawsuit, Cohen said that two months after he signed up for HDTV, DIRECTV sent him an amended customer agreement containing an arbitration clause. After he filed his lawsuit, DIRECTV filed the motion for arbitration.
___________________________________________________

[QUOTE=duvy56]

The format switch of 101.1 has forced me to use my mp3 player even more. And radio wonders why it's dying...

Yes. I read somewhere online (couldn't find the link) a story about the "new 101.1 FM Movin" station. Yep. Another BS clearchannel buyout. In the article, they interview some "consultant" who's researched what "women" age 24-44 like to listen to in other big city markets. So they "test" marketed and came up with this crap.

I'm just amazed they can get away with it. They don't even have actual dj personalities yet, I'm assuming. I never thought radio could be so bad...

I hope it's reasonable to upgrade when my time comes. But as long as the H20 doesn't do OTA (so I can get 9 and 11, which the H20 doesn't), and D* doesn't have any new HD channels that are MPEG4 only, I don't see any reason to get rid of my two H10-250s

Agreed. Not only are there no new mpeg4-only HD channels on D*, but it might be a while before there is one compelling enough to get me to switch from the superior TiVo software.

With the locals in HD on the Sat. I didn't need the dual OTA tuners. I have found the MPEG4 picture quality to be very good. When used in combination with the OTA the 3 tuners works nice. The only thing I use the OTA exclusively for is Channel 11 and 9 since it is not on dish in HD. Plus I still use my OTA built in to my tv if I am recording 3 things and want to watch something else live OTA. It is pretty nice how in the guide the OTA stations show up highlighted in yellow so you can tell the difference. It also gives you a signal strength meter for a couple of seconds when tuning to an OTA station. So far I have been very impressed, I thought coming from Tivo would be tough. Plus I was worried about the Wife Approval factor. So far so good on all fronts. :)

and you hit a pet peeve of mine. I was so looking forward to my dish 1000+ - since currently my guide data does not show whats on 9.1 their guide data shows a 24-hour program, so setting a timer to record is a PITA compared to all other stations where you would simply highlight the show, hit record. Why is it they have channel 9's normal channel and not the high-def on the SAT feed? I don't get it. I agree that that mpeg4 quality is better than I expected.

Class-Action Suit Filed vs DirecTV for HD Picture Quality
DIRECTV spokesman Robert Mercer yesterday said the lawsuit was without merit.

"We believe the plaintiff’s underlying claims are completely without merit because DIRECTV’s High Definition service is high quality, true HD service under accepted definitions for satellite TV," Mercer said. "If it were otherwise, we doubt the plaintiff would continue to subscribe to and pay for DIRECTV HD programming."


I didn't know there was a different HD definition for satellite TV???? :confused:

Walt

and you hit a pet peeve of mine. I was so looking forward to my dish 1000+ - since currently my guide data does not show whats on 9.1 their guide data shows a 24-hour program, so setting a timer to record is a PITA compared to all other stations where you would simply highlight the show, hit record. Why is it they have channel 9's normal channel and not the high-def on the SAT feed? I don't get it. I agree that that mpeg4 quality is better than I expected.
CoCo,
Do the PBS DT's populate the DISH EPG now? I don't have them scanned in now, but when I used to, they did not.

Initially, I had excellent experience with Charter when I lived in North County.
I had phone and Internet for over a year without a single outage.
My only problem was with the billing customer service.
The phone and internet were separate bills but when we moved in '05 they credited our final phone payment to the Internet account. Six months and several collection notices later they finally resolved the situation.

I can't believe I'm admitting this but I might give them another try for phone and Internet if they had actually run cable to our house. The only cabled the 2/3 of our new subdivision :(

I have been a Directv customer since the USSB days.
If if it wasn't for the Sunday Ticket I would be jumping ship to Dish.
Directv's parting with Tivo is almost the last straw for me. :(

Token

Don't do it! :) I too had broadband and phone with them. Let me refresh your memory. It was a battle each and every month over billing issues. It was incredibly frustrating and a huge waste of time trying to get it all worked out. It wasn't resolved until my last bill (or I'd still be wasting time on the phone every month with them).

Don't do it! :) I too had broadband and phone with them. Let me refresh your memory. It was a battle each and every month over billing issues. It was incredibly frustrating and a huge waste of time trying to get it all worked out. It wasn't resolved until my last bill (or I'd still be wasting time on the phone every month with them).
You're too kind MO....why anyone who wasn't being force-fed Charter would have anything to do with that company willingly, is beyond my comprehension :mad:

You're too kind MO....why anyone who wasn't being force-fed Charter would have anything to do with that company willingly, is beyond my comprehension :mad:
Because they offer high-speed internet faster than anything else anyone offers in the area.

Don't do it! :) I too had broadband and phone with them. Let me refresh your memory. It was a battle each and every month over billing issues. It was incredibly frustrating and a huge waste of time trying to get it all worked out. It wasn't resolved until my last bill (or I'd still be wasting time on the phone every month with them).

I have both their internet and phone service, and have NEVER had a billing issue. I think some of you guys change your service so frequently that is causes problems then you blame the company! Their internet service is far superior and faster to any other product you can get in St Louis.

I have both their internet and phone service, and have NEVER had a billing issue. I think some of you guys change your service so frequently that is causes problems then you blame the company! Their internet service is far superior and faster to any other product you can get in St Louis.Being able to change your service as you wish should not be viewed as some extraordinary burden for any sort of service provider. Geez!

How can you put the blame on the customer? As a customer, you should be able to change your service as you please AND to operate on the reasonable expectation that the company involved knows how to manage the billing system in order to get it right. And when they don't get it right, to fix it promptly.

Yours is the sort of half-baked logic that's allowed Charter to treat its customers unprofessionally. If you enjoy Charter service, I couldn't be happier for you. But suggesting that bad experiences that others have had with the company is the fault of the customer -- that's weaker than weak.

I have both their internet and phone service, and have NEVER had a billing issue. I think some of you guys change your service so frequently that is causes problems then you blame the company! Their internet service is far superior and faster to any other product you can get in St Louis.


I did have non-stop billling issues with them, my brother and my mom had billing issues. My mother-in-law had them doing direct billing through her debit card with them and twice they took out $300.00 when her bill was a quarter of that. Every time they would find that they made a mistake but she would have to argue with them to get them to put the money back in her account. She says she never had issues when it was AT&T At Home providing the service. My DSL service is 6meg down and 768up, when I had Charter the highest they offered was 3meg down 256up. Charter may have some higher speed packages now, but their website doesn't list them.

Being able to change your service as you wish should not be viewed as some extraordinary burden for any sort of service provider. Geez!

How can you put the blame on the customer? As a customer, you should be able to change your service as you please AND to operate on the reasonable expectation that the company involved knows how to manage the billing system in order to get it right. And when they don't get it right, to fix it promptly.

Yours is the sort of half-baked logic that's allowed Charter to treat its customers unprofessionally. If you enjoy Charter service, I couldn't be happier for you. But suggesting that bad experiences that others have had with the company is the fault of the customer -- that's weaker than weak.I agree wholeheartedly. Take DirecTV. It has it faults, but billing isn't one of them. You can go to the website, change your service and have that change reflected immediately in your reception and billing. They have never screwed this up for me.

But to say one is at fault for getting bad service because they change service offerings is ridiculous. Charter -- or anyone else -- is just plain incompetent if they can't get customer billing correct, regardless of when and what product the customer chooses. When something like that is done intentionally it's a crime.

Being able to change your service as you wish should not be viewed as some extraordinary burden for any sort of service provider. Geez!

How can you put the blame on the customer? As a customer, you should be able to change your service as you please AND to operate on the reasonable expectation that the company involved knows how to manage the billing system in order to get it right. And when they don't get it right, to fix it promptly.

Yours is the sort of half-baked logic that's allowed Charter to treat its customers unprofessionally. If you enjoy Charter service, I couldn't be happier for you. But suggesting that bad experiences that others have had with the company is the fault of the customer -- that's weaker than weak.

I agree that a customer ought to be able to change a service as many times as they want, and expect the company to fix the problem. However, any large organization is going to have problems with an account if you keep changing services. It just works that way. I kept having problems with my trash company. I was adding and removing yard waste service. I expected them to get it right no matter how many times I changed my mind....but the reality is accounting systems (nor people) are perfect, and the more you introduce change the more problems you are likely to have. Charter does provide poor customer service I wouldn't argue that point, but some of you guys are so full of hate for them that you are clearly biased. At least Charter doesn't have a class action lawsuit being filed against them like DirectTV, so maybe they are better than you give them credit for.

...some of you guys are so full of hate for them that you are clearly biased. At least Charter doesn't have a class action lawsuit being filed against them like DirectTV, so maybe they are better than you give them credit for.Not sure why that's relevant to the current discussion, but if we're going to apply a legal litmus test here, I reckon that Charter has more former executives "detained at the pleasure of the United States government" than all other Pay TV companies combined.

Not sure why that's relevant to the current discussion, but if we're going to apply a legal litmus test here, I reckon that Charter has more former executives "detained at the pleasure of the United States government" than all other Pay TV companies combined.

Did they ever get "Closing out an account" down? The icing on the cake with Charter is the fact that they aren't able to send a final bill. They just refuse to let you go once they have you a a customer:)

Not sure why that's relevant to the current discussion, but if we're going to apply a legal litmus test here, I reckon that Charter has more former executives "detained at the pleasure of the United States government" than all other Pay TV companies combined.

Relevant to the level of service provided. There wouldn't be a class action lawsuit against a company providing good service would there?? Actually, Aldephia Communiations has likely outdone Charter.

Relevant to the level of service provided. There wouldn't be a class action lawsuit against a company providing good service would there?? Actually, Aldephia Communiations has likely outdone Charter.At least D* customers can get HD and DVR service when they order it.

What's the backlog on Charter HD/DVR installations, and how often do the installers complete an installtion with 480i output to the customer TV? Seems I've heard that story many times. I also seem to recall story after story about installers simply not showing up. Or am I wrong about that?

At least D* customers can get HD and DVR service when they order it.

What's the backlog on Charter HD/DVR installations, and how often do the installers complete an installtion with 480i output to the customer TV? Seems I've heard that story many times. I also seem to recall story after story about installers simply not showing up. Or am I wrong about that?

I have no idea if Charter has a backlog or not. I have never had a problem getting a service when I called them. I have seen others on here say they have. If they have a backlog (and DTV does not) I guess you guys are not working hard enough running them down!!!!

CoCo,
Do the PBS DT's populate the DISH EPG now? I don't have them scanned in now, but when I used to, they did not.

none of the digital 9 channels populate. I was hoping they would. You get a channel 9 via Sat now, but it's the digial equivalent of their analogue station (9.3?)

You're too kind MO....why anyone who wasn't being force-fed Charter would have anything to do with that company willingly, is beyond my comprehension

Because they offer high-speed internet faster than anything else anyone offers in the area.
Exactly Mike. I use Pipeline, simply because we work from home, and it's the only show-in-town, at least in this town. We're linked to the bank via a VPN, and run their mortgage department. It's a completely electronic industry.

A normal mortgage application would take 50x longer using dial-up, extra time I doubt any of our customers wants/has to spend on the phone. A mortgage document file from underwriting is 6-8meg, usually downloaded 3-5x a day. For that, I get the pleasure of paying Charter $56/mo for what AT&T or Verizon will give me for 1/2 in DSL, once the switches become available here....a day I am so looking forward to.

The $56/mo can not be bundled, as neither Charter's VoIP or HD Tier is available here. The only other Charter service available here is their Digital TV Tier, which would not be enough to lower the monthly Pipeline cost.

I've never had and problems with Pipeline, it works great. I just thoroughly detest the business practices and principles by which Charter stands....that, "we're Charter, 'nough said" hogwash!

At least D* customers can get HD and DVR service when they order it.

What's the backlog on Charter HD/DVR installations, and how often do the installers complete an installtion with 480i output to the customer TV? Seems I've heard that story many times. I also seem to recall story after story about installers simply not showing up. Or am I wrong about that?

Every time Charter goes to my parents house, they call me to fix what the tech messes up.

They also did the 480i connection thingy...

I never changed my service with broadband and phone. It was them not giving me the lower intro rate as promised and charging for two installs that were supposed to be free. Each charge showed up again and again. I jotted down dates of calls, the person's name and employee ID after being assured it would be corrected in the next bill. It never was until I cancelled. Even then, it was a real pain. So no, I did not change packages or other options mid-stream. I'm glad I didn't change anything or I'd probably still be fighting with them!

FWIW, I had Cox Internet and phone for 90% of the time I lived in Phoenix. They were easy to deal with and reliable. When I moved last year they were only charging me $39 for 3 down bundled with their phone which charge I can't recall. Any outtage was credited right away. My connection would go down early on due to all the new construction surrounding my development. After it was all built it was rock solid. Even before that they restored it within 24 hours of a cut. So it can be done and for a reasonable amount of money.

Here (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/business/columnists.nsf/techtalk/story/461E268D8009F146862571E20066F5B6?OpenDocument) is a follow up to the Charter story stemming from the problem the Post Disptach had with Charter Customer Service.

A VP was actaully willing to give their contact information including email ;)

I wonder how many responses he will get.


Token

A VP was actaully willing to give their contact information including email ;)
I wonder how many responses he will get.
Why not give it out, Charter's MO has always been to claim never receiving those they choose not to respond to :rolleyes:

CEA Recommends FCC Deny Charter CableCard Waiver Request

Someone was asking earlier in the week about the ease of getting CableCards from Charter. While I haven't heard of any resistance among customers and others I've talked to, Charter has been known to ignore these requests in other markets where it operates.

Based on the fact that Charter is seeking a waiver on CC requests, getting these cards might become more difficult in future.

TiVo Series 3 buyer, beware.

The following is an excerpt of a statement from CEA president Gary Shapiro in a press release issued by the Consumer Electronics Association:
____________________________________________________________ _

"Charter's request for a waiver of the FCC's rules is part of the cable industry's relentless campaign to keep Americans chained to their cable-mandated set-top boxes.

As ordered by Congress, the FCC is required to allow competitive entry into the navigation device market. This will result in a proliferation of exciting new products that Americans can buy at retail and use with their cable service. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has twice upheld the FCC's discretion in carrying out its own rules to assure the competitive availability of devices.

We continue to support the Commission and urge it to do the right thing for competition and consumers by denying Charter's request."
____________________________________________________________ _

Because they offer high-speed internet faster than anything else anyone offers in the area.

I would rather put up with dial up on a Webtv before anyting Charter.

Scott

I agree that a customer ought to be able to change a service as many times as they want, and expect the company to fix the problem. However, any large organization is going to have problems with an account if you keep changing services. It just works that way. I kept having problems with my trash company. I was adding and removing yard waste service. I expected them to get it right no matter how many times I changed my mind....but the reality is accounting systems (nor people) are perfect, and the more you introduce change the more problems you are likely to have. Charter does provide poor customer service I wouldn't argue that point, but some of you guys are so full of hate for them that you are clearly biased. At least Charter doesn't have a class action lawsuit being filed against them like DirectTV, so maybe they are better than you give them credit for.

Again, this is a weak argument. I should be able to change any aspect of my service as many times as I see fit, and I would expect the company to get it right 100% of the time. Anything less than being correct 100% of the time will not do.

Do I hate Charter? Absolutely! Am I biased? Not at all. I simply judge them on the service they provide me or lack thereof in the case of Charter. They deserve ALL the criticism they get and then some.

Scott

Relevant to the level of service provided. There wouldn't be a class action lawsuit against a company providing good service would there??......
Based on the fact that Charter is seeking a waiver on CC requests, getting these cards might become more difficult in future.
TiVo Series 3 buyer, beware.
Let's see. D* is in a class action suit because they limit the bandwidth of some of their HD channels (which may or may not be relevant to MPEG4).

Charter's idea of a good level of service is to find ways to sidestep the law in order to completely restrict users from utilizing advanced equipment from other vendors.

Charter is superior. Hmmm...Did I get that right? :confused:

Let's see. D* is in a class action suit because they limit the bandwidth of some of their HD channels (which may or may not be relevant to MPEG4).

Charter's idea of a good level of service is to find ways to sidestep the law in order to completely restrict users from utilizing advanced equipment from other vendors.

Charter is superior. Hmmm...Did I get that right? :confused:

The advantages and disadvanges of each are well publicized on here. If you don't like them, don't use them. Cable companies will win over all comers in the end. They simply have the best system to deliver phone, TV, and internet. You will be dead before AT&T ever runs fiber to your house. I hope it doesn't rain tonight if you are watching satellite.